Mbombela court hears businessman was allegedly kidnapped for R30m ransom
Details are emerging in court about the kidnapping of a Mbombela businessman who was reportedly held for ransom for seven weeks.
During the bail hearing of two accused linked to the kidnapping of a Mbombela businessman, the court heard on June 24 that the victim was allegedly kidnapped for a ransom of R30m.
The accused are charged with kidnapping and attempted extortion.
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During cross-examination of the investigating officer, Lieutenant Colonel Mkhonza, by State Adv Maluleka, Mkhonza testified that the accused were allegedly paid R100 000 each by a Mozambican national to carry out the kidnapping.
“We have evidence that shows that the said amount was paid into the accused’s accounts on April 15,” Mkhonza told the court.
He further testified that the victim’s family reportedly received WhatsApp calls from a Mozambique number demanding the ransom.
“The caller threatened the victim’s wife and brother that if they did not pay the amount, they would kidnap another relative,” he said.
Upon further questioning, Mkhonza said that the victim was not in a good state of mind following his release.
“He was assaulted and heavily traumatised, as he was blindfolded the entire time,” he testified.
He confirmed that the victim was held hostage for seven weeks before being released on June 8.
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Mkhonza also told the court that no ransom money was paid by the family, and that the Mozambican national’s whereabouts remain unknown.
Defence Adv Vusi Sekgodi argued that matters relating to an international suspect should not be considered during bail application proceedings.
The state disputed this, arguing that the law permits such evidence to be presented during a bail hearing. Magistrate Patrick Morris postponed the matter to July 2 and 3 to allow the court to rule on the issue.
The two suspects are accused of kidnapping a 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.
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.
