Five suspects allegedly linked to the kidnapping of a man at a construction site in East London made a first appearance in the district's regional court.
The suspects, aged between 32 and 50, are accused of kidnapping a man at a construction site on December 9, 2024 at around 3:30pm.
The victim was rescued two days later and found unharmed.
The Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigation, known as the Hawks said the court ordered that the suspect's identity and their pictures will not be revealed due to the processes of investigation.
Hawks spokesperson said all five suspects were remanded in custody and their case was adjourned to February 7.
Explaining the merits of the case, Hawks spokesperson Warrant-Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana said the victim was at his construction site conducting inspection when he was accosted by a gun-wielding suspect who ordered him and a colleague to get onto the floor.
"Further report indicated that while lying on the floor his colleague noticed two more suspects also wearing face masks armed with firearms, whom they then snatched the victim from the floor and accosted him to a white SUV that was parked outside and drove off with him to an unknown place.
"Later on the day, the suspects reportedly contacted the victim’s family demanding a ransom."
A thorough investigation led the arrest of the suspects at Scenary Park in East London
"Further investigations led the team to Litha Township in King Williamstown, where the victim was allegedly kept.
"On their arrival, the team searched the house and the victim was found inside rescued unharmed on 11 December 2024.
"One suspect was inside the house and was apprehended on the spot."
Police seized a Chevrolet Captiva SUV that was allegedly used to transport the victim.
"The victim was taken to hospital for medical treatment."
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