LIMPOPO – Two Ethiopian nationals accused of kidnapping five foreign nationals briefly appeared in the Giyani Magistrate’s Court on Monday, as police continue searching for at least two more suspects linked to the case.

Misganu Gethchwe (22) and Tashai Tumebo (18) face five counts of kidnapping following an incident that took place in the Giyani area earlier this month.

The two were apprehended after five foreign nationals, aged between 18 and 24, were found locked inside a room at a property in Mambedi Valdezia village in the Makhado area of Limpopo’s Vhembe district.

Read more: 5 men kidnapped in Giyani rescued in Vhembe area

At least two more suspects at large

Preliminary investigations revealed that the men were not acting alone. Police believe that at least two additional suspects were involved in the kidnapping operation, although they were not present during the raid.

The unidentified accomplices are still at large, and investigations into their whereabouts continue.

Separate case for illicit cigarettes and immigration

In addition to the kidnapping charges, the accused are also facing a separate case related to the possession of illicit cigarettes and alleged contravention of immigration laws.

NPA spokesperson Mashudu Malabi confirmed that the accused had previously appeared before the Waterval Magistrate’s Court on the same charges. That case was postponed to June 2 for further investigation.

Next court appearances

The kidnapping matter before the Giyani Magistrate’s Court was postponed to June 4 to allow for a formal bail application. Both accused remain in custody pending their next court appearance.

Police investigations are continuing as authorities search for the outstanding suspects believed to be connected to the case.