The Ntuzuma Regional Court in Durban is set to deliver its judgment in the kidnapping and extortion case of an 11-year-old schoolboy. The case involves four men who allegedly kidnapped the boy on May 18, 2022, in Inanda, while he was being driven to school. They also kidnapped the child's driver, forcing him into the boot of a car at gunpoint. The accused then demanded a ransom of R1 million from the child's mother.
According to reports, the child's mother contacted the police, and under their surveillance, she handed over R90,000 to the accused. The police intercepted the vehicle the accused were traveling in and were led to the house where the child was being kept in Inanda. The ransom money was recovered, and the police arrested the four men. A neighbor of the child's was also arrested in connection with the incident, linked by cellphone evidence.
The four accused, Lindokuhle Mthokozisi Thabede, 29, Mvelo Khuzwayo, 29, Fisokuhle Mathews Mbatha, 32, and a neighbor who could not be named to protect the child's identity, appeared in court. The neighbor was released on bail, while the other three accused were denied bail and remain in custody. The case has been ongoing, with Magistrate Sibongiseni Cele concluding part of the judgment and evidence before the court.
The prosecutor, Kaystree Ramsujh, stated that the judgment in the matter should be completed by Monday, and a date for sentencing will be set. The child's ordeal began when he was kidnapped while being driven to school. The accused contacted the child's mother, demanding a ransom of R1 million, and threatened to kill the child if the demand was not met.
The police played a crucial role in resolving the case, intercepting the vehicle and recovering the ransom money. The neighbor's arrest was a significant breakthrough, as cellphone evidence linked him to the crime. The case highlights the severity of kidnapping and extortion crimes in South Africa.
The trial into the kidnapping of the 11-year-old boy was initially set to begin in April 2023 in the Ntuzuma Magistrate's Court. However, the trial was delayed due to various reasons, including the absence of a lawyer. The case has garnered significant attention, with many following the developments.
The judgment expected on Monday will bring closure to the case, and the accused will face the consequences of their actions. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and the need for authorities to take swift action against those who commit such crimes.
Key points
- Four men accused of kidnapping an 11-year-old boy and demanding R1 million ransom to appear in court
- The child's mother paid R90,000 to the accused under police surveillance
- The accused were arrested, and the ransom money was recovered
