Four accused appeared in the Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court, charged with robbing an Uber driver and stealing his vehicle on Louis Botha Avenue in Oaklands.

Rosebank Killarney Gazette reports the accused face charges of robbery with aggravating circumstances, kidnapping, and assault. The state alleged that on Wednesday, the individuals requested an Uber ride but instead robbed the driver of his vehicle.

The driver reported the incident to the tracking company, which alerted the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department Tactical Response Unit.

The unit tracked the hijacked vehicle to a residence in Houghton, previously owned by former president Nelson Mandela.

Upon entering the property, officers arrested five individuals, including Mandela’s grandson, and recovered the alleged stolen vehicle, its number plate, and a firearm. The driver was also allegedly robbed of R800 in cash and R300 from their account.

Mandela’s grandson did not appear in court, and was released due to insufficient evidence linking him to the alleged offences. The NPA is awaiting the finalisation of investigations before deciding on prosecution.

The case was adjourned to next Friday for further investigation and a possible bail application.

The magistrate ordered that the names or images of the accused, including those of the former president’s grandson, not be published.