The Western Cape police kidnapping task team apprehended an alleged kidnapping kingpin and seven of his suspected colleagues in Cape Town.
The arrest on Thursday of Sivuyile “Lolo” Mki, the alleged mastermind behind the kidnappings of many foreigners, is regarded as a key achievement in curbing kidnappings by an interconnected web of criminals based primarily in Khayelitsha.
The Hawks announced that Mki, along with Yamkela Gedeni, Mandisi Mzikayise Zweni, Athenkosi France Nyathi, Lwandile Mngazana, Lwazi Landzela, Siyabulela Madini and Zolile Sombo, appeared in the Bellville magistrate’s court on Thursday morning.
They were apprehended in Mfuleni on Tuesday after police investigated a kidnapping of a Welgemoed woman.
On Friday, the woman, a South African of German origin, was kidnapped outside their family business, Parow Industria, which provides German sausages to delis and wholesalers.
According to Hawks spokesperson Zinzi Hani, the victim’s vehicle was found abandoned on NY 99 in Gugulethu.
Kidnapping, robbery with aggravating circumstances, extortion, and theft are among the charges levelled against the eight men.
The case was postponed until next Thursday in order to obtain bail information.