Byline: Refeloe Letsoisa
05 August 2024
Sibongokuhle Nelisiwe Mkhwanazi (21), Caleb Kamahelo Sebatane (23), Thabang Elim Mndebele (35), Nkosingiphile Emelda Nkosi (42), Dineo Masesi Zondo (41), Mpumelelo Patricia Mkhize (42), and Dumisane Zondo (33), appeared before the Kriel Magistrate Court on Friday, 02 August 2024.
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.
“We agree that one of the kidnappers was a member of the Mkhonto Wesizwe Women’s League at Ward 26 in Thubelihle, but I want to assure the community that the MK Women’s League does not associate themselves with her actions,” said Nana Khumalo, Regional Interim Task Team.
Community members came out in numbers to support the family and seek justice from the magistrate by not granting bail to the kidnappers.
“We are angry and want this crime to stop because it is now a common thing in our community. It is sad and heavy for us as parents to wake up every week and hear that there is a child missing,” said Meggie Mahlangu from Ward 25, Thubelihle.
The seven suspects were remanded in custody, and the case was postponed to 14 August 2024, for a formal bail application.
