The Kuruman Regional Court this week convicted four men on charges of aggravated robbery and kidnapping following a harrowing incident that took place in June 2018.
THE KURUMAN Regional Court this week convicted four men on charges of aggravated robbery and kidnapping following a harrowing incident that took place in June 2018.
A spokesperson for the Hawks in Northern Cape, Warrant Officer Nomthandazo Mnisi, said the accused, Loopang Molaolwa, 34, Mothusi Maele, 39, Herbert Obiditse, 28, and Kagisho Masala, 22, were found guilty on August 6.
The incident unfolded when the complainant, offering a ride to the accused, was later forced to stop his vehicle at gunpoint. After refusing initial demands, he realised the severity of the situation when one of the passengers seated behind him pointed a firearm at him. He was then assaulted, forcibly moved to the back of his vehicle, and driven to a remote veld.
At the veld, the assailants robbed the victim of his bank card before tying him to a tree using his own shoelaces and belt. The complainant eventually freed himself and sought help.
Together with the police, he located his vehicle outside the Grand Hotel, where three of the accused were found inside the car. The fourth accused was pointed out by a witness inside the hotel.
The police managed to recover the complainant’s vehicle, along with his cellphone, spare wheel, car radio, speakers and groceries.
The case was handed over to the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation team, whose thorough investigation led to the conviction of the four men. The four accused were found guilty on all counts and the case was postponed to September 4 for sentencing.
