One of the two suspects who were arrested for the alleged kidnapping of Theresa Minnie (73) on 11 August appeared today, 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 was present. No members of the Minnie family were present either. During the court proceedings, Busakwe chose to be represented by Legal Aid.
Minnie was kidnapped after driving out of the gate of her home. Her vehicle was blocked by a Volkswagen Polo. Two armed men alighted from the vehicle, forced the victim into their car, and fled from the scene.
A ransom demand was made on the same day.
During today’s proceedings, it emerged that the perpetrators were actually targeting Theresa Minnie’s husband, Karl Minnie (75). A ransom demand of R1.1 million was made 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 However, he had previously been charged with robbery, which was withdrawn.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.
