The suspects were nabbed by the Hawks.
Image: Dumisani Sibeko/Independent Newspapers Archives
Five people are expected to appear in court on Friday in connection with the kidnapping of an Eastern Cape man earlier this week.
The victim was abducted on Monday, December 9, 2024 during a site inspection at a construction project in East London.
The man was rescued two days later unharmed.
The Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigation (known as the Hawks) said the suspects are expected to appear in the East London Magistrate’s Court where they face charges of kidnapping of extortion.
The provincial spokesperson for the Hawks, Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana said following the kidnapping swift action by the specialised task team led to the identification and arrest of the suspects during an intelligence operation conducted on Wednesday, December 11, 2024.
"The victim was found unharmed and has since been reunited with their family."
The Hawks said "elements linked to the crime" were also recovered during the intelligence-driven operation.
In a separate incident in the Western Cape, a 50-year-old man was sentenced by the Khayelitsha Regional Court in Cape Town, for crimes including kidnapping and extortion.
Lungisa Mafuneka was convicted on charges of robbery with aggravating circumstances, two counts of kidnapping, and extortion after pleading guilty.
The provincial spokesperson for the Hawks, Lieutenant Colonel Siyabulela Vukubi said two victims were kidnapped in Mandela Park in Khayelitsha while travelling in their vehicle in November 2022.
The kidnappers allegedly demanded R400,000 from their family for ransom.
"The victims' vehicle was subsequently recovered in the process. The investigation further revealed that the family of the victims ended up paying R30,000 on November 28, 2022."
Two suspects were arrested with cash receipts and a cell phone which was allegedly used in the extortion communications.
Mafuneka was sentenced to 13 years imprisonment for robbery with aggravating circumstances, 10 years imprisonment for each count of kidnapping and five years imprisonment for extortion.
The court ordered the sentences to run concurrently and he will effectively serve 13 years imprisonment.
Mafuneka’s co-accused, Siviwe Yekiso's case was remanded until March 14, 2025, for plea confirmation. He remains in custody.
robin.francke@iol.co.za
IOL
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