TWO foreign nationals accused of kidnapping a Clairwood businessman appeared in the Durban Magistrate’s Court on September 10.

Simon Agbedo and Chukwunonso Francis Nweke have also been charged with assaulting the victim. The men apparently entered the victim’s business in the Clairwood CBD and reportedly held him up at gunpoint, instructing him to follow their instructions, according to police.

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The still-unidentified victim was hit on the head with a stick.

Sergeant Bhekumuzi Dlamini of Montclair police station said, “They bundled him into their waiting vehicle and drove to Ntuzuma Township, where they held him hostage the whole day. The accused reportedly demanded R100 000 as a ransom.”

What is also alleged is that one of the accused compelled the victim to make electronic transfers from his bank accounts and contact individuals and ask them to deposit into other bank accounts.

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Later that day, the police received an anonymous tip-off about a man being held hostage in Ntuzuma. Officers from Montclair police station, led by Sergeant Malusi Ndlovu, collaborated with detectives from Ntuzuma to set up a trap to arrest the suspects.

Dlamini said when the police arrived in Ntuzuma the victim and the accused were still inside the house.

“The two men were arrested immediately and charged for kidnapping,” Dlamini added.

Police said the money stolen from the victim’s account has not yet been recovered.

Agbedo and Nweke are remanded in police custody until September 17 for a bail application.

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