The seven suspects charged with the alleged kidnapping and assault of a local businessman on Terminus Street on Sunday made their first appearance at the Newcastle District Court on Tuesday, October 7.

Read original article here: Police arrest seven after businessman held hostage

The suspects, including a business owner, are facing charges of kidnapping, armed robbery, extortion, and assault with the intent of causing grievous bodily harm after they allegedly lured the victim to the premises, ambushed him and held him hostage inside a shop, demanding a large sum of money.

According to Imraan Ghafoor of the Newcastle Crime Fighter’s task team, the suspects forced the victim to hand over a large sum of money, but continued to assault him and fired blank shots in an attempt to extort more money.

Law enforcement was alerted and immediately swooped on the premises, apprehending seven suspects, including the shop owner, who was allegedly the mastermind behind the plot to lure the businessman to his shop.

Two firearms, in the attack, were also recovered.

The case was postponed to Tuesday, October 14, for a formal bail hearing.

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