Two suspects in the kidnapping of Theresa Minnie (73) on 11 August appeared in the Uitenhage Magistrates’ Court today, 20 August.
This is the second appearance of one of the suspects (31). The other suspect (29) made his first appearance.
The pair face charges of kidnapping and extortion, which is a Schedule 6 offence according to the Criminal Procedure Second Amendment Bill.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, Luxolo Tyali confirmed that both accused have elected to apply for bail, which the State is opposing. “Neither of them has previous convictions or pending cases,” said Tyali.
READ: Elderly woman, 73, kidnapped in Fairbridge Heights
According to information presented in court, the victim was abducted on the morning of 11 August as she was leaving her home in Fairbridge Heights, Kariega.
“It is alleged that a Volkswagen Polo blocked her vehicle, after which two armed suspects forced her into their car and fled the scene. A ransom demand of R1.1 million was made later that day,” said the presiding magistrate, Jason Thys.
The victim was safely released on 16 August 2025 and found unharmed near the Kariega Police Station. She has since been reunited with her family.
The Hawks have requested that the suspects not be named at this stage, due to the sensitivity of the case.
Both accused will reappear in court on 27 August for their formal bail application. Investigations are ongoing.
