KARIEGA – Two suspects charged with kidnapping Theresa Minnie (73) for a R10 million ransom appeared at Kariega Magistrate’s Court today, 21 January, with one suspect abandoning bail whilst the other seeks to apply for it.
Ayabulela Busakwe and Andile Mathumbu face charges of kidnapping with intent to human trafficking and extortion following the alleged abduction of Theresa Minnie from her Fairbridge Heights home on the morning of 11 August 2025. The suspects allegedly demanded her husband Karel pay R10 million for her safe return.
UD Express previously reported that the State prosecutor requested the case be transferred to Gqeberha Regional Court, as previously directed by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). However, Mathumbu’s defence attorney opposed the transfer, wanting his client’s bail application heard today at the Kariega court. A compromise was eventually reached to move the case to the Regional Court for a later date.
Busakwe, who is involved in another high-profile murder case of a State prosecutor, has abandoned bail. Mathumbu intends to apply for bail at the next appearance.
The prosecutor confirmed that pending investigations have been concluded.
The matter was postponed until 30 January 2026 for the setting of a provisional trial date.
