Sinethemba Dyantyi (31), Vuyolwethu Kotsele (34), and Mazen Nassar (23) appeared before the Cookhouse Magistrates’ Court on November 10, for allegations of kidnapping.
According to Hawks spokesperson, Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana, the trio was arrested by the Kidnapping Task Team of the Hawks under Serious Organised Crime Investigation together with Cookhouse South African Police Service’s Visible Policing on November 9.
Mhlakuvana said on November 9, it is alleged that the victim was travelling with his brother to Shoprite Usave in Bhongweni Location in Cookhouse when they were suddenly blocked by an unknown BMW sedan on the road.
“The reports revealed that the armed suspects got out of their vehicle and allegedly forced the victim into their vehicle,” said Mhlakuvana.
“Further reports indicated that the brother of the victim managed to quickly rush to the nearest police station where he reported the matter.”
Mhlakuvana said the police were activated and pursued in the direction that the suspects were reported to have taken.
Mhlakuvana further said that the police spotted the identified vehicle on the N10 and a chase ensued.
“The police managed to block the suspect’s vehicle. Thereafter, the vehicle was searched, and the victim was found inside the suspect’s vehicle,” said Mhlakuvana.
Mhlakuvana said that two 9mm pistols and three cell phones were recovered during the vehicle search and were seized for further investigation.
The BMW that was used during the kidnapping of the victim was also seized.
“The trio were then arrested on the spot by the joint team of law enforcement agents,” said Mhlakuvana.
Mhlakuvana said that they made their appearance at the Cookhouse Magistrates’ Court on November 10, where the case was remanded to November 15, for formal bail application.
The suspects are remanded in custody.
