FIVE ALLEGED KIDNAPPERS CASE POSTPONED FOR BAIL APPLICATION
The Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court has postponed the case against five accused involved in a kidnapping and murder in Norwood until 02 April 2025, for a formal bail application.
The accused faced several charges stemming from incidents which occurred from 9 to 10 March 2025, in Kensington, Johannesburg. The charges include Kidnapping, Assault GBH, Pointing of a Firearm, Robbery with Aggravating Circumstances, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition and murder.
The case emanates from an alleged kidnapping of an Ethiopian businessman on 09 March 2025, in Norwood, Johannesburg. The victim was allegedly held captive in Kensington. Acting on a tip-off, a joint operation was launched on 10 March 2025, by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), South African Police Services (SAPS), Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) and Private Security led to a shootout, resulting in one accused being fatally wounded and another arrested.
Further investigation led to the arrest of four additional suspects in Sophiatown, Johannesburg, who were found with jewellery and other belongings of the kidnapped victim.
The State requested a postponement in court to conduct further investigations and for a formal bail application.
