A MAN accused of kidnapping his ex-girlfriend in Johannesburg was arrested in Montclair and appeared at the Durban Magistrate’s Court recently facing three counts.

Albert Neo Maphalla (36) was arrested at a food outlet in Montclair after the victim reportedly alerted an employee that she was allegedly being held against her will.

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According to Sergeant Travis Bouverie of the Montclair police station, Maphalla had travelled from Johannesburg to Durban with the victim and their son, allegedly intending to start a new life with her.

Bouverie said while at a well-known food outlet in Montclair, the victim seized an opportunity to inform a staff member that she was allegedly being held captive by the accused.

 “An employee contacted Montclair police to come and assist the woman and her baby,” said Bouverie.

He said upon arriving at the scene police found the woman, her child and the accused seated inside the establishment.

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“Interviewed both parties and then proceeded to search the suspect’s vehicle. During the search, an unlicensed firearm and live ammunition were recovered in the suspect’s car,” Bouverie added.

The victim told the police that the accused forced her to travel with him to Durban.

Maphalla was arrested and charged with kidnapping, possession of an unlicensed firearm and pointing a firearm.

Police also impounded the vehicle, alleging it had been used in the commission of the offence.

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