OGIES - Two suspects, Sipho Alfred Msumba (37) and Nolufefe Mbulana (33), were remanded in custody in the Ogies Magistrate’s Court today, where they appeared on kidnapping charges.

The suspects, who were arrested at their hideout in Etwatwa near Benoni, allegedly kidnapped a 20-year-old woman from her home in Ogies. According to information at police disposal, Msumba went to the home of his 39-year-old lady friend in Ogies on December 19, 2017. It is reported that Msumba had allegedly assaulted her on several occasions and even took her phone to prevent her from contacting her family. The victim, however, managed to escape.

Msumba and his co-accused, Mbulana, as well as another accomplice who is still at large, confronted his girlfriend’s mother and her sister at her house, demanding to know where his girlfriend was. They then tied her mother up, and assaulted her with a firearm after which they abducted the 20-year-old sister. They threatened to kill her if she did not show them where Msumba’s girlfriend could be found.

The Ogies detectives, Tactical Response Team as well as Witbank Cluster Tracing Team launched a manhunt for the perpetrators, resulting in the arrest of two of the three suspects.

The suspects are expected to appear again on Monday, February 5, for their bail application in the same court.

Submitted by: Sgt Gerald Sedibe
Subeditor: Lynette Brink
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