A kidnapping ring leader appeared in the Wynberg Magistrate Court on Friday, 13 September, on charges of kidnapping, extortion, aggravated robbery, theft, trafficking in person and attempted murder, Cape {town} Etc reports.
The ring leader has been identified as Sivuyile Mki, known by his alias ‘Lollo’.
Also read: Arrests made in Steenberg kidnapping, victim’s body discovered
On 22 December 2022, two Thai nationals were kidnapped in Mowbray, while they were leaving their place of employment. The suspects demanded a ransom of R800 000 to secure their release. Only R30 000 was paid by the family.
The body of one of the hostages was later discovered on 26 December 2022 in the Indloveni Informal Settlement in Harare. The remaining hostage was released by the suspects on the evening of 28 December 2022, according to a SAPS press statement.
On the same night, three suspects were arrested by the investigation team, which included Mki, Constable Aphiwe Mondi, and Xolani Jiyosi.
Their bail was successfully opposed, and all three accused remained in custody.
Mki was also linked to the 2022 murder case and while the matter is ‘remanded to 15 November 2024’, he will appear in the Western Cape High Court, along with the three previously charged accused.
Mondi, an ex-police official, was dismissed from the service as a result of his involvement and other criminal cases pending.
Jiyosi, the third accused, also faces multiple charges of kidnapping, extortion, and aggravated robbery on ‘two other matters where his co-accused includes two ex-police officers’.
All ex-police officials were still in the service when they were arrested and charged for their crimes, with the current case pending in the Khayelitsha Priority Court.
In a second incident on 20 April 2023, two Chinese citizens were kidnapped, one in Melkbosstrand and the other in Macassar. Both were held hostage at the premises of Mki. Three days later, the investigation team made a breakthrough and arrested the first two suspects.
On 06 June 2023, Mki was arrested and charged with all counts and later ‘added to the charge sheet’ with the other accused.
This case is currently appearing in Khayelitsha Regional Court for trial, with the next court date being scheduled for 08 October 2024.
Bail was successfully opposed and all accused were remanded in custody, and there wasn’t any ransom money paid.
On 02 June 2023, a South African woman was kidnapped whilst driving home from work, with the suspects demanding an R4 million ransom for her release.
On 06 June 2023, the investigation team successfully rescued the hostage from a house in Mfuleni and arrested eight suspects, which included Mki.
Bail was once again successfully opposed, and all accused remained in custody. Ransom wasn’t paid to the kidnappers.
This matter was remanded on 03 October 2024 to Bellville Magistrates Court for trial.
Mki was previously arrested with two different criminal groupings on kidnapping, extortion, and other serious related charges, with all matters being brought before different courts for trial.
Also read:
Picture: KATRIN BOLOVTSOVA / Pexels