THE two suspected Pinetown kidnappers alleged to be linked to the kidnapping of Pinetown Boys’ High School pupils face additional charges, which include kidnapping, attempted extortion and robbery with aggravating circumstances.

The pair, who now face a total of 12 counts, appeared at the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court on Monday (June 8), where the matter was adjourned for June 15, to afford the defence time to prepare for their bail application in the wake of the added charges.

The additional charge of kidnapping stems from an incident which took place on Bamboo Lane in Pinetown on May 2.

It is further alleged that the suspects attempted to extort R6000 for the release of their kidnapping victim of May 2.

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.

The State told the court that it intends to oppose bail.

The suspects were arrested on May 26 for three kidnapping incidents, some involving minor children, and extortion where it is alleged they had demanded ransoms ranging from R10 000 to R12 000.

These incidents include the kidnapping of two Pinetown Boys’ High School learners, one on May 22, and another on April 24.

KZN SAPS spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Paul Magwaza, said the suspects, aged 29 and 35, were arrested “during an operation conducted in Clermont as well as in Malvern”.

“Police officers from Pinetown Trio Task team as well as KwaDabeka Field Unit followed up on information provided by Crime Intelligence on suspects who were wanted for cases of kidnapping and extortion which were committed around the Pinetown policing precinct,” said Magwaza.

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He added that the one suspect was arrested on Tuesday evening in the Clermont area, while the second one was arrested in Malvern.

“The second suspect was found in possession of two vehicles and a replica firearm that are suspected to have been used during the commission of the crimes,” said Magwaza.

On May 22, in a second incident within a month, a Pinetown Boys’ High School learner was kidnapped while on his way to school.

The pupil was found later that evening unharmed.

Late last month the school was prompted to beef up its security measures following the traumatic kidnapping of another learner.

The police confirmed then that that learner was released ‘unharmed’ on the same day (April 24) of the kidnapping.

According to the police, that learner had been standing outside the school when unknown men forced him into their car.

Magwaza confirmed at the time that the learner was released after a ransom was paid.

It was reported that the learner was released that evening at about 19:00, with no visible injuries, but was left severely traumatised, along with members of his family.

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