Three Zimbabwean nationals were arrested on Friday following a multi-disciplinary intelligence-led operation that rescued a kidnapped Cape Town man and foiled a R5 million ransom plot.
Luckmore Tawanda Muzhira (28), Takudzwa Trust Nzounhenda (35), and Itai Elvis Takawira (39) appeared in the Stellenbosch Regional Court on Monday, facing charges of kidnapping, assault, extortion, and robbery.
The case has been postponed to March 14 for a formal bail application.
Kidnapping and Ransom Threats
According to IOL, the victim, who had been visiting a shop in Stellenbosch, went missing on 27 February 2025. His disappearance prompted his family to raise the alarm.
His family soon received a chilling WhatsApp message from an individual claiming to know the victim’s whereabouts.
The sender, who identified himself as a middleman, demanded R100,000 for information about the victim’s location.
The situation escalated when the family received a video showing the victim with his hands tied and eyes blindfolded.
The kidnappers reportedly demanded R5 million for his release, with the middleman insisting on R100,000 for himself, citing fears for the victim’s life.
Dramatic Rescue by Law Enforcement
A multi-disciplinary team, including the Hawks, the Directorate of Priority Crime Investigation, the Police’s Provincial Organised Crime Unit, the Hostage Negotiation Team (HNT), and the Boland K9 Unit, sprang into action.
Through meticulous investigation, the team identified two suspected vehicles linked to the kidnapping.
On February 28, one of the vehicles, a black VW, was intercepted by the Boland K9 Unit near Stellenbosch. The victim was found inside the vehicle with serious head injuries but was successfully rescued and taken to the hospital for treatment.
Suspects Face Multiple Charges
The three suspects were arrested during the operation and now face charges of kidnapping, assault, extortion, and robbery.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Siyabulela Vukubi praised the team’s swift action. He also commended the collaborative efforts of the various law enforcement agencies involved in the operation.
“Meticulous investigation by the multi-disciplinary team led to the identification of the suspects and the rescue of the victim.”
Victim in Stable Condition, Case Adjourned for Bail Hearing
The victim, though injured, is reported to be in stable condition.
Meanwhile, the case has been adjourned to March 14, when the court will hear the trio’s formal bail application.
