THE accused in the kidnapping case involving pupils from a school in the Pinetown area will remain in custody until their next appearance at the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court on September 9.

Two suspects, aged 29 and 35, appeared at the court on Tuesday (August 25) and the matter was remanded to their next date of appearance.

The pair was due to apply for bail, however, it has been learned that only accused one is expected to file this application when the matter returns to court.

The pair previously abandoned bail but had told the court that their decision whether to apply for it would be made following consultations with their legal representative.

Also read: Brothers robbed of guns, phones and car in Pinetown

The suspects were arrested in May and face a total of 12 charges linked to the alleged kidnapping of two learners. The charges include kidnapping, extortion, attempted extortion, and robbery with aggravating circumstances.

One of the alleged kidnapping incidents took place on May 2 on Bamboo Lane in Pinetown where the suspects attempted to extort R6000 for the release of the victim.

It is also alleged in different incidents they had demanded ransoms ranging from R10 000 to R12 000.

In the counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances, it is alleged that the suspects had either used a firearm or knife to rob victims of cellphones, including those of the pupils.

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