The case against a 31-year-old suspect nabbed in connection with the kidnapping and extortion of a Franschhoek family will resume in the Paarl Magistrate Court next week.
Xolani Matshona is the second suspect arrested in connection with the incident.
Hawks spokesperson Zinzi Hani said Matshona was arrested by a multi-disciplinary task team consisting of the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation, Provincial Organised Crime, Hostage Negotiation Team (HNT) and Crime Intelligence on Tuesday.
“The team reacted to information received about a security officer… who is linked to a kidnapping incident that occurred on August 22, 2024, where four individuals, a family (was) kidnapped and kept at the suspect’s home then three days later were released and rescued at a nearby BP garage in Philippi East while their vehicle was found abandoned in Endlovini,” Hani said.
The suspect was arrested at his workplace.
“It is reported that the suspect's home in Samora Machel informal settlement was used as a safe house for the hostages,” Hani said.
The kidnappers allegedly demanded a ransom of R100 000 per person, totalling to an amount of R400 000 from the family.
They were further instructed not to involve the police.
“(The) Investigation revealed that the ransom was not paid, instead an amount of R16 000 was transferred from the hostages account by the kidnappers.
“In this matter, the 31 year old is the second suspect to be arrested. More arrests are imminent,” Hani said.
The case was remanded to October 15 for further bail application and for the accused to be joined.
Cape Times