Johannesburg,South Africa

Seven men who are linked to the kidnapping of a student from University of Witswatersrand(Wits) were denied bail by the Johannesburg Magistrates' Court.

Sanele Ndlovu(26),Vikani Khanyeza(28),Sohollo Khumalo(26),Sphamandla Mavundla(33),Lungisani Shabalala(33),Thulani Mazibuko(23) and Khayelihle Zulu(24) are facing charges of kidnapping,attempted murder,and extortion.

According to Phindi Mjonondwane,NPA Regional Spokesperson-Gauteng Local Division,the accused are alleged to have lured the complainant on a date,via a dating app called Grindr,a dating site for the LGBTQI+ community.The accused held the complainant hostage and demanded a ransom of R30000 from the complainant's family.The accused sent horrific images of the Wits student tied up and badly assaulted to his family,in an attempt to extort money from them.

Mjonondwane continued,on 19 September 2023,the complainant's roommate reported that he was missing.Investigations were conducted and led the police to one of the ATMs the accused had used to withdraw money.The police pounced on one of the accused while he was withdrawing the ransom.The accused led the police to Denver men's hostel where the complainant was kept.On arrival at the hostel,six more men were arrested.The complainant was found unconscious and was rushed to the hospital,where he is receiving treatment.

Mjonondwane added,Acting Regional Court Prosecutor,Adolphus Mukwevho argued that the state witnesses were known to the accused and that the family of the complainant previously received threats from the accused and are living in fear.He further added that the interest of justice do not permit their release on bail as that could undermine the proper administration of justice.

Mjonondwane concluded that cases of kidnapping for ransom are prevalent in the court's jurisdiction and the NPA continues to work with partners within the Criminal Justice System to bring these syndicates to book.The matter has been postponed to 15 November 2023 for further investigations.