Three Zimbabwean men appeared in court for allegedly kidnapping a Cape Town man and demanding a R5 million ransom. They face charges of assault, extortion, robbery, and kidnapping. The operation that led to their arrest involved multiple police units, and the victim was rescued but left injured. The court has postponed the bail application until March 14.
On Monday, three Zimbabwean nationals, Luckmore Tawanda Muzhira, Takudzwa Trust Nzounhenda, and Itai Elvis Takawira, were arraigned in the Stellenbosch Regional Court. They face multiple serious charges including assault, extortion, robbery, and kidnapping, after allegedly abducting a man from Cape Town and demanding a ransom of R5 million. The court has postponed the hearing until March 14 for a formal bail application.
The suspects, aged 28, 35, and 39, were apprehended during a coordinated operation involving several law enforcement agencies, including the Hawks and the Police’s Provincial Organised Crime Team. According to police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Siyabulela Vukubi, the police acted on a report involving the abduction of a victim who vanished while visiting a shop in Stellenbosch last Thursday.
The victim’s family reported receiving ransom demands totaling millions, accompanied by distressing evidence of the kidnapping. Lieutenant Colonel Vukubi elaborated that a WhatsApp message from an alleged middleman sought R100,000 for information on the victim’s whereabouts, while the actual kidnappers demanded R5 million. Subsequent threats included a video showcasing the victim bound and blindfolded, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
Law enforcement’s rapid response led to the victim’s discovery and rescue from his captors. Although he sustained injuries, he was reported to be in stable condition once found. Through meticulous investigative efforts, police identified two vehicles linked to the suspects, leading to a successful recovery operation on February 28, where a black Volkswagen was intercepted near Stellenbosch, revealing the victim inside.
In summary, three Zimbabwean nationals have been charged with kidnapping a Cape Town man, demanding a ransom of R5 million. The operation leading to their arrest involved several police agencies and resulted in the victim’s recovery, albeit with injuries. This case highlights the collaborative efforts of law enforcement in tackling serious crimes such as kidnapping.
Original Source: www.newzimbabwe.com
