'Big fish' must be targeted to dismantle kidnapping

Unless the “big fish” linked to the money in the syndicate involved in kidnapping and extortion type of crimes, is arrested, criminals may continue to take their chances, according to a crime expert.

This was in relation to the first court appearance of Sivuyile Mki alias “ Lollo ” who police believe is a kidnapping ring leader.

Mki appeared in the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court on Friday charged with kidnapping, extortion, aggravated robbery, theft, trafficking in person, attempted murder including Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA) section 9 (2)(a).

Police say he is linked to the kidnapping of two Thai nationals in Mowbray, on December 22, 2022, as they were leaving their workplace.

Police spokesperson, FC van Wyk said: “The suspects demanded R800 000 ransom money to secure their release. Subsequently, only R30 000 was paid by the family. On December 26, 2022, the body of one of the hostages was discovered in Endloveni Informal Settlement, Harare in Khayelitsha. The remaining hostage was released by the suspects on the evening of December 28, 2022.

That same night the investigation team arrested three suspects which included the accused (Mki), Constable Aphiwe Mondi and Xolani Jiyosi . Bail was successfully opposed and all accused were remanded in custody. Sivuyile Mki was also linked to the 2022 murder case.”

Mondi, an ex-police officer, was dismissed as a result of these and other criminal cases pending, while Jiyosi also faces multiple charges of kidnapping, extortion and aggravated robbery on two other matters where his co-accused includes two ex-police officers, Van Wyk added.

The matter was remanded to November 15 where the accused will appear in the Western Cape High Court.

“All ex-police officials were still in the service when arrested and charged for the matters. This case is pending in the Khayelitsha Priority Court. During April 20, 2023, two Chinese citizens were kidnapped, one in Melkbosstrand and the other in Macassar. They were held hostage at the premises of Mki. On April 23, 2023, the investigation team made a breakthrough and arrested the first two suspects. On June 6 (same year), Mki was arrested and charged for all counts and later added to the charge sheet with the other accused.”

In this matter, no ransom was paid. The matter is currently before the Khayelitsha Regional Court for trial, with the next court date scheduled for October 8.

“Bail was successfully opposed and all accused remanded in custody.” Crime expert, Calvin Rafadi explained that there were categories of criminals involved in kidnapping and to successfully stop the crime, would depend on who was apprehended.

“Arresting is better than no effort being taken by the police but what we can advise is to link some of the family members who are involved. Nobody just randomly gets kidnapped, before being kidnapped, there is information provided as the victim is being profiled, they will have someone inside who will make sure that money is being paid.

“In terms of the categories, there’s what you call the pick up guy. Then there are the ones who look after the victim, then there are the ones who facilitate and the money receiver, who have bitcoin and offshore accounts.”

Cape Times