| 2025/01/28 |
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Media Statement PHUTHADITJHABA – Nine suspects appeared in court for the alleged kidnapping of a Qwaqwa family after being arrested through excellent teamwork by members from the Free State and Gauteng. On 23 January 2025 at about 01:30, the community member of Bluegumbosch in Qwaqwa was awakened 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 at the neighbour’s door and also sought help. They inspected their neighbour’s house and became suspicious that there were no people in the house. They immediately approached the police station to open a case. Usually, there are three children and four adults staying in that house. The Phuthaditjhaba Crime Intelligence, with the assistance of Phuthaditjhaba Public Order Police and Detective Service, closed in on a certain house at Beirut in Phuthaditjhaba, where they found four suspects and all family members. Some of the suspects fled to Gauteng Province, but counterparts were engaged and arrested additional five suspects in Sharpeville. They were found in possession of a large undisclosed amount of cash, three cellphones, and a 9mm pistol. The motive behind the kidnapping is suspected to be ransom. All the nine suspects have been charged and appeared before the Makwane Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 27 January 2025, facing charges of kidnapping. Their case has been remanded to Monday, 3 February 2025, for a formal bail application. The accused persons are Thabo Tladi (36), Tebello Mofokeng (31), Tshepo Mabe (29), Bongani Mathebula (33), Vusimusi Mkhoma (29), January Matsoso (34), Tshepo Mokoena (36), Thapelo Mokalanyane (29) and Themba Mokoena (38). They will remain in custody.
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