Muldersdrift man in court for allegedly faking own kidnapping
A 31-year-old man who allegedly staged his abduction to extort cash from his family to cover gambling debts has appeared in court.
A man has appeared in the Krugersdorp Magistrate’s Court after allegedly faking his own kidnapping to extort R30 000 from his parents to fund a gambling addiction.
His family opened a kidnapping and extortion case on October 2 after receiving messages demanding money for his release. Sergeant Maphelo Mahlobisa and Sergeant Thandi Dambula, along with a hostage negotiator, investigated the incident.
On October 4, detectives arranged for the family to deposit R1 500 to help trace the withdrawal location and identify the suspects. However, CCTV footage showed the man withdrawing the money himself, purchasing gambling vouchers, and buying food at a nearby restaurant. His family confirmed his identity, while investigators found no signs that he was in danger.
Staged abduction exposed
On October 8, the man told his family he had escaped, and they collected him at a supermarket in Nooitgedacht.
The family took him to the police station on October 9, where he allegedly admitted to staging the kidnapping to obtain money for his gambling addiction.
Muldersdrift Police Station commander Lieutenant Colonel George Mamohe confirmed that the man was arrested and detained at the station. He appeared in the Krugersdorp Magistrate’s Court on October 12.
If you or someone you know is a victim of extortion, report it immediately to law enforcement:
• National Extortion Hotline: 0800 911 011
• SAPS Crime Stop: 08600 10111
• Emergency Services: 10111
• MySAPS App: Available on mobile app stores for anonymous tip-offs
You may also report issues of this nature via the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Service Delivery Hotline on 0800 212 580.
This hotline operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. All calls remain anonymous, and confidentiality is guaranteed.
The Krugersdorp News approached the NPA’s communications team on Wednesday, October 14, including national spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago, head of communications Bulelwa Makeke and Johannesburg regional spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane, for comment on whether the accused entered a formal plea during his October 12 appearance. The News also requested feedback on what the accused’s current remand and bail status is, and when his next scheduled court appearance is. Further details about whether the accused’s legal representative or family issued any statement regarding the allegations were also requested.
No feedback had been received at the time of publication on Monday, October 19, at 14:00.
