A Mbombela businessman was kidnapped, allegedly as part of a R30m ransom plot, with two accused reportedly paid R100 000 each to carry out the crime, a court heard during a bail application yesterday (June 24).

According to the Lowvelder the two accused face charges of kidnapping and attempted extortion.

During the cross-examination of investigating officer Lieutenant Colonel Mkhonza, State Advocate Maluleka led evidence that the accused had allegedly been recruited by a Mozambican national to abduct the businessman.

“We have evidence showing that R100 000 was paid into each accused’s bank account on April 15,” Mkhonza told the court.

He testified that members of the victim’s family later received WhatsApp calls from a Mozambican number demanding a ransom of R30m for the businessman’s release.

According to Mkhonza, the caller threatened the victim’s wife and brother, warning that another family member would be kidnapped if the money was not paid.

The investigating officer further testified that the businessman was severely traumatised following his release.

“He was assaulted and heavily traumatised because he was blindfolded for the entire period of his captivity,” Mkhonza told the court.

He confirmed that the businessman had been held hostage for seven weeks before being released on June 8.

Mkhonza also testified that no ransom was paid and that the Mozambican national allegedly linked to the kidnapping remains at large.

Defence Advocate Vusi Sekgodi argued that allegations involving an international suspect should not form part of the bail proceedings.

The State opposed this argument, maintaining that the law allows such evidence to be presented during a bail application.

Magistrate Patrick Morris postponed the matter to Thursday (July 2) and Friday (July 3) for ruling.

The two accused were arrested in connection with the kidnapping of the businessman near Shandon Estate on April 14. He has since returned home.

The victim’s identity is known to Lowvelder but is being withheld for legal and ethical reasons.

The identities of the accused have also not been published in accordance with South African media and court reporting practices relating to extortion-linked matters.

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