The state has withdrawn charges against the three men accused of kidnapping KwaDukuza businessman Zakaria Desai.

Desai (47) has been missing since September last year, after he was abducted outside a mosque in KwaDukuza. Desai’s family has reportedly received ransom demands for his release.

Mozambican national Esmael Nangy, Stefan Brites and border policeman Samkeliso Honest Mlotshwa were arrested in December.

The men were charged with kidnapping, extortion and attempted murder and were expected to apply for bail in the KwaDukuza Magistrate’s Court this morning.

But the state instead moved to withdraw all charges, citing “careful consideration of the matter including consultations with the relevant stakeholders.”

Magistrate Rosina Sepeng appeared surprised by the development in the case.

“It is very disturbing that at this stage of proceedings – where the accused have been in custody since last year – that the prosecution, working with police, can now inform the court they are withdrawing charges against the accused,” she said.

Desai is understood to still be missing.

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