Torture allegations emerge in KwaDukuza kidnapping case

The border officer previously arrested for the kidnapping of KwaDukuza businessman Zakariyya Desai has accused senior police officals of torture during his detention in KwaDukuza in December 2024.

Sergeant Samkeliso Mlotshwa testified before Parliament’s ad hoc committee on March 13, which is investigating allegations by KZN provincial police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi of corruption, political interference and procurement irregularities within Saps.

Mlotshwa, along with Mozambican nationals Esmael Nangy and Stefan Brites, previously appeared in the KwaDukuza Magistrate’s Court in connection with the September 10, 2024 kidnapping of Desai from a mosque after evening prayers.

Armed with AK-47s, the kidnappers fired shots to disperse a crowd before fleeing with Desai.

Mlotshwa and his co-accused were arrested in November 2024 and appeared in court on December 9. Later that day, while held at KwaDukuza Police Station, Mlotshwa and Nangy were allegedly removed from custody and taken to a farm.

“This is a clear violation of our constitutional rights,” Mlotshwa said in an affidavit, stating they were taken without their legal representatives.

He said he was transported in a black VW Touareg linked to a local private security company, while Nangy was taken in a white BMW with police.

At the farm, Nangy was allegedly stripped, suspended between tables and waterboarded – a form of simulated drowning. Mlotshwa claims he was also waterboarded and that Mkhwanazi was present and participated.

Charges against the trio were withdrawn before their bail application in January 2025. Desai was released just over two weeks later after about five months in captivity.

Mlotshwa, Nangy and Brites have since lodged complaints with the Independent Police Investigative Directorate and filed a civil claim for damages. The matter is before the Gauteng High Court.

Police spokesperson Lt Col Robert Netshiunda said Mkhwanazi would respond to the committee at the appropriate time.

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