Alleged extortionists remain in custody

By Libuseng Nyaka

QWAQWA – Makwane magistrate Jennifer Moalusi has postponed a case against nine men aged between 29 and 38, who are accused of kidnapping, theft and possession of an unlicensed firearm, to Thursday this week to allow new prosecutor Khahliso Masiteng to familiarise himself with the case.

Masiteng took over from prosecutor advocate Sechaba Mokhachane on February 03, and is yet to decide on whether to oppose bail or not.

The nine accused, Thabo Tladi, Tebello Mofokeng, Tshepo Mabe, Bongani Mathebula, Vusimusi Mkhoma, January Matsoso, Tshepo Mokoena, Thapelo Mokalanyane and Themba Mokoena, who remain in custody, made their first court appearance on January 27. The case was prosecuted by advocate Sechaba Mokhachane.

According to police spokesperson in Thabo Mofutsanyana district, Warrant Officer Mmako Mophiring, the accused are alleged to have kidnapped a family in Qwaqwa in order to extort the money from their relatives.

“The accused are in court after the alleged kidnapping of a family in Qwaqwa. On January 23, a community member from Bluegumbosh in Qwaqwa was awaken by a loud voice of a woman screaming for help and banging car doors in the street. Suddenly, two vehicles raced off from the street, and it became quiet.

In the morning a child came knocking on the neighbour’s door seeking help. They inspected their neighbour’s house and became suspicious that there were no people in the house. They immediately approached the police station and a case was opened.”

Mophiring said community members also reported that usually there are three children and four adults staying in the same house.He said police investigations led to the arrest of nine accused through team work by members of Free State and Gauteng.

“Phuthaditjhaba crime intelligence, with the assistance of Phuthaditjhaba Public Order police detective services, found four accused in a certain house in Beruit in the eastern Free State and all family members.

“Some of the accused fled to Gauteng province but after engaging our counterparts, an additional five suspects were arrested in Sharpeville in Gauteng.

They were found in possession of a large amount of cash, three cell phones and a 9mm pistol.”