Two suspected Pinetown kidnappers, alleged to be linked to the kidnapping of Pinetown Boys’ High School pupils, face additional charges, which include kidnapping, attempted extortion and robbery with aggravating circumstances.

The pair, who now face a total of 12 counts, appeared at the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court on Monday (June 8), where the matter was adjourned until June 15 to afford the defence time to prepare for their bail application in the wake of the added charges.

According to the Highway Mail, the additional charge of kidnapping stems from an incident which took place on Bamboo Lane in Pinetown, west of Durban, on May 2.

It is further alleged that the suspects attempted to extort R6 000 for the release of their kidnapping victim of May 2.

In the counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances, it is alleged that the suspects had either used a firearm or knife to rob victims of cellphones, including those of the pupils.

The state told the court that it intends to oppose bail.

The suspects were arrested on May 26 for three kidnapping incidents, some involving minor children, and extortion where it is alleged they had demanded ransoms ranging from R10 000 to R12 000.

These incidents include the kidnapping of two Pinetown Boys’ High School learners, one on May 22, and another on April 24.

KZN SAPS spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Paul Magwaza, said the suspects, aged 29 and 35, were arrested during an operation conducted in Clermont and Malvern.