Polokwane: Suspects in bank manager’s kidnapping case remanded in custody
The two suspects appeared in absentia as they are still in hospital after they were injured in a high-speed chase and shootout with police on Saturday (May 14).
POLOKWANE – The two suspects arrested for the kidnapping of a local regional bank manager appeared in absentia in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on May 16.
Read more: Cops nab kidnappers after high-speed car chase
Katlego Phetla (28) and Khomotso Tala (25), who are charged with kidnapping, attempted murder, extortion and reckless and or negligent driving, were unable to make an appearance in court as they are still in hospital after they were injured in a high-speed chase and shootout with police.
The 56-year-old regional bank risk manager was on a jog not far from his home in Welgelegen when the abduction took place on Saturday morning (May 14).
The matter was reported to the police and detectives from the Provincial Investigation Unit, Crime Intelligence and Organised Crimes Unit, Tactical Response Team joined by hostage negotiators immediately started with investigations and gathered all the information in a bid to rescue the victim.
The National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) regional spokesperson Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi said the suspects contacted the relatives of the victim and demanded a ransom of R700 000 in return for his safe release. The money packed was a total of R500 000 and was dropped off at the agreed pickup point.
According to police spokesperson Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo, the suspects came driving in two BMW motor vehicles, white and black in colour, and immediately fled the scene after picking up the money with the victim still inside one of their vehicles.
A high-speed car chase ensued and the driver of one of the BMWs, carrying the abducted victim, lost control, swerved into the nearby bushes and came to a halt. The victim and money were recovered however, the other suspects managed to flee the scene in the white BMW sedan.
Police appeal to those with any information that can assist in the apprehension of the remaining suspects to contact Lieutenant Colonel Richard Boshomane on 079 894 5501, the crime stop number 0860010111 or the nearest police station.
