Byline: Refeloe Letsoisa
15 August 2024
The seven kidnappers appeared at the Kriel Magistrate Court on Wednesday, 14 August 2024, for a formal bail application.
The three accused, Sibongokuhle Nelisiwe Mkhwanazi (21), Nkosingiphile Emelda Nkosi (42) and Mpumelelo Patricia Mkhize (42), stood for bail application, while the other four accused, Caleb Kamahelo Sebatane (23), Thabang Elim Mndebele (35), Dineo Masesi Zondo (41), and Dumisane Zondo (33), their representative abandoned the bail application, and they were remanded in custody while the three accused continued with their bail application.
Their appearance is in connection with the kidnapping incident of a minor at a high school in Kriel on Monday, 22 July 2024.
It is alleged that the accused called the mother of the victim, who is a businesswoman, and demanded a ransom of R200,000 in order to release the minor.
The complainant told them that she did not have the demanded ransom but only had R9000.00.
She was given three bank accounts to deposit the money in cash. After the money was deposited, the suspects withdrew the funds.
The investigation led the team to Vorsloorus and Kriel, where the accused were arrested, respectively.
The seven suspects were remanded in custody, and case was postponed to 21 August 2024 for court decision.
Community members picketing outside Kriel Magistrate Court for no bail.
