The bail hearing of two accused facing charges of kidnapping and attempted extortion was postponed today, June 18, due to the magistrate being ill.

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The matter was postponed to June 24 and 26, when the state will continue its cross-examination of the investigating officer, Lieutenant Colonel Mkhonza.

The two are accused of kidnapping a Mbombela businessman near Shandon Estate on April 14. He has since returned home. His identity is known to Lowvelder, but the publication has chosen not to publish it for legal and ethical reasons.

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The identities of the accused have also been withheld in line with South African media and court reporting practices in matters involving extortion-related charges before the accused have entered pleas.