E-hailing driver and accomplices due in court for kidnapping

E-hailing driver, Khotso Tsotetsi (23), and accomplices Linda Nyebizi (31), Musa Mathebula (25), and Themba Hlalele (32), are set to appear in the Protea Magistrate’s Court on Friday,14 October for allegations of hijacking, kidnapping and extortion.

E-HAILING DRIVER TARGETS MOTORIST IN PROTEA GLEN

Police spokesperson Captain Lloyd Ramovha said it is reported that on the evening of 21 July 2022, four males approached a motorist who had just arrived in front of his house at Protea Glen Ext 11. The motorist was hijacked and kidnapped.

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“A white Nissan Almera was established to have been the getaway vehicle.”

Captain Ramovha

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SUSPECTS DEMAND RANSOM FROM THE VICTIM’S WIFE

He said the victim’s vehicle was found abandoned a short distance from the scene. He added that the kidnappers contacted the victim’s wife and demanded R 6000 ransom with instructions that it had to be paid via E-wallet.

“When the money was paid the victim was dropped off along the way. A case was consequently registered and assigned to the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation team. On Friday, 07 October 2022, the vehicle was spotted in the East Rand with two occupants. It was stopped and the occupants were interviewed. It turned out that the vehicle is used for e-hailing service and that on the day of the incident none of the occupants were involved,” Ramovha explained.

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WILL THE COURT GRANT THEM BAIL

“Further probing led to the arrest of Tsotetsi on 08 October 2022, he was reportedly driving the vehicle on the said day. Additional arrests were effected of his accomplices, they have since appeared in court and been remanded in custody. The group is scheduled to return to court on Friday for a bail application,” he further explained.

This is a developing story.