Zim-linked abductor and extortionist faces litany ...

Zim-linked abductor and extortionist faces litany of charges in SA

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Zim Now Writer

A suspect believed to be an undocumented Zimbabwe national is set to appear in the Delmas Magistrate's Court, Pretoria, on Monday facing charges that include kidnapping, extortion, armed robbery and illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.

The man, whose name has not been given, could have more charges pressed against him as investigations continue according to Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Brigadier Selvy Mohlala.

The 43 year-old suspect was arrested on Friday, January 6, at Botleng, Delmas.

Brig. Mohlala said the victim in the matter who is aged 32 was coming from visiting a friend’s home which he left just before 10pm. Half an hour after departure, the friend received a call from the victim’s phone at which time the friend heard screams in the background. The victim was saying he had been abducted.

While the friend was still shocked from what he heard on the phone, he also heard someone over the phone demanding ransom for his friend's release.

“After receiving that call, he reported to the police and it is alleged that more of the victim's friends also reported to the police that they received strange calls with a demand of the ransom for the victim's release,” said Mohlala.

Investigators, including officers from SAPS crime intelligence and hostage negotiators, was assembled.

“Yesterday, Friday, January 6, 2023, the victim arrived at the police station after he was released at about 3pm. He was interviewed and it was established that his mobile phone was still in the hands of the suspect.

“Investigation was intensified and led police to a location in Botleng where the suspect fitting the description given by the victim was found,” said Brig. Mohlala.

The suspect was found with the victim's mobile phone, an unlicensed Norinco 9mm pistol with the serial numbers filed off and 22 live rounds of ammunition.

“Investigation further revealed that the firearm was also reported missing during a business robbery that took place in Pretoria in 2020.

“The suspect was arrested and charged with kidnapping, extortion, armed robbery and illegal possession of firearm and ammunition. Police cannot rule out possibilities of adding other charges as the investigation continues,” said the police spokesperson.