Kidnapping suspects accused of unlawfully-detaining a young businessman appeared in court this week. On 30 January 2025, it is alleged that a 27 year-old businessman arrived at his store and was kidnapped by a gang of heavily-armed men. Police revealed that he was forced into a white Isuzu Double cab bakkie and driven to an unknown destination. His friends and relatives then received communication that a ransom needed to be paid in order for him to be released unharmed. This is when the victim’s family alerted the Hawks and an investigation into the kidnapping began. After thorough probing into this kidnapping incident by the police it is alleged the victim escaped unharmed.
Kidnapping incident investigations thorough
Intensive investigations by the Hawks led to the arrest of Emmanuel Magodla, 30, in East London. On 9 February Magodla was positively-linked with the kidnapping of the businessman. Investigations and tireless nights of research by police resulted in an additional arrest of an accomplice, Siyabonga Sikwana, 42, in Mdantsane, East London on 9 May 2025. Sikwana appeared in the Qonce Magistrate’s Court after his arrest for the kidnapping charge. He was found in possession of the Isuzu double cab bakkie that was used in the kidnapping incident. Initial investigations established that the same vehicle was stolen from the Department of Health. The vehicle has been ceased by police.
Kidnapping accused abandons bail
A Hawks spokesperson, Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana said: “Both Magodla and Sikwana appeared together before a Magistrate at the Qonce Magistrate’s Court on 13 May 2025. Sikwana abandoned his bail while Magodla pursued his. Magodla will re-appear on 19 May 2025 for his formal bail application. In addition, the main case of kidnapping was remanded to 16 July 2025 for further investigation.”
R5000 fine for fake goods
The Athlone Magistrate’s Court in the Western Cape sentenced Pakistani-national, Kashief Mehmood, 42, to a fine of R5000 for Contravention of Counterfeit Goods Act, Act 37 of 1997 on 14 May 2025. It is has been alleged he was found with a variety of items under the brand, Samsung.
Criminal elements under surveillance
A Hawks spokesman, Lieutenant Colonel Siyabulela Vukubi said: “This sentence stems from a April 2023 incident when members of the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation based in Bellville executed a search and seizure warrant at a business owned by a Pakistani National in Hazel Road, Athlone.”
What they found at the scene
Police found various items with Samsung branding such as headphones, chargers, ear pods, memory cards, flash drives, cellphone batteries and cellphone covers valued at R703 218. On 26 May 2023 the accused was served with summons pertaining to 1908 charges for the distribution of counterfeit goods for trade purposes. The seized items were forfeited in civil proceedings to the brand holder.