One of the two perpetrators who were arrested for the alleged kidnapping of Theresa Minnie (73) on 11 August appeared today, on 19 August, at the Uitenhage Magistrate’s Court. The accused, Ayabulela Busakwe (31), was charged with two counts: kidnapping and extortion. His co-accused was not present in court today.
Standing in the dock, Busakwe looked around the courtroom to find a familiar face, but none were present, not even the Minnie family. During the court proceedings, Busakwe chose to be represented by Legal Aid.
The presiding judge asked Busakwe if he was aware of the charges against him, to which he nodded. He acknowledged the kidnapping charge but failed to mention the extortion charge against him as well.
Hawks spokesperson, Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana said it is alleged that the victim was exiting through the gate of her home while driving a motor vehicle when she was blocked by a Volkswagen Polo. Two unidentified armed suspects alighted from the vehicle, forced the victim into their car, and fled from the scene.
“On the same day, it is further alleged that a ransom demand was made by the suspects, and the matter was handed over to the Hawks for investigation,” he added.
The judge informed the court that the perpetrators were targeting Karl Minnie (75), as revealed during their brazen attempt to kidnap Minnie’s wife, Theresa. The accused allegedly made a ransom demand of R1.1 million to Karl.
READ: Two suspects arrested with cash, firearms after 73-year-old woman released
From the dock, Busakwe declared that he had no previous convictions nor was he out on bail. However, he had previously been charged with robbery, which was withdrawn.
The state opposed his bail as the accused allegedly committed a Schedule 6 offence. The judge refused Busakwe’s bail application and remanded the matter until tomorrow, 20 August, when his co-accused will be present.
The accused will be held in custody until his next appearance.
