PETRUS STEYN – Three men who allegedly kidnapped a Bangladeshi national for ransom are remanded in custody after the postponement of their bail application in the Petrus Steyn Magistrates Court, on Wednesday, 25 March. The suspects Mohau Mosia, Neo Mokonenyana and Maqeba Mokoena were arrested in Qwaqwa by a multidisciplinary police team following an intensive search. They will continue their bid for bail on 8 April at the same court.

WO Mmako Mophiring, spokesperson for the Free State police, said the trio originally from Qwaqwa face charges including house robbery and kidnapping as well as armed robbery. He said the Bangladeshi businessman was rescued during the arrests of the three suspects hours after the kidnapping on Monday (16 March). Mophiring said the kidnapping occurred during the night.

“It is alleged that on 16 March, at approximately 00:30, the Bangladeshi national and his spouse were asleep at their home when the husband heard a noise outside. Upon investigating, they noticed three individuals wearing balaclavas attempting to break into their house. The couple quickly took their children to another room to hide. Upon entry, the suspects, armed with handguns, demanded money and instructed the husband to lie on the floor, tying his hands with a rope,” said Mophiring.

He said the suspects abducted the Bangladeshi national. “The suspects fled the scene at high speed in two vehicles, a white Mazda CX-3 SUV and a Ford Ranger,” said Mophiring. He said a multi-disciplinary police team arrested the suspects and recovered the victim.

“Police seized the two vehicles used in the commission of the crime,” said Mophiring.

The arresting team comprised Petrus Steyn police, Phuthaditjhaba Tactical Response Team, Crime Intelligence, Detectives, Public Order Police Unit, and the Thabo Mofutsanyana District Detective Services.