Johannesburg – Seven men accused of kidnapping a male student from the University of Witwatersrand (Wits) whom they lured through Grindr – a dating site for the LGBTQI+ community, were denied bail by the Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court.
The accused, 26-year-old Sanele Ndlovu, 28-year-old Vikani Khanyeza, 26-year-old Sohollo Khumalo, 33-year-old Sphamandla Mavundla, 33-year-old Lungisani mShabalala, 23-year-old Thulani Mazibuko and 24-year-old Khayelihle Zulu, are facing charges of kidnapping, attempted murder, and extortion.
Allegations are that the accused held the Wits student hostage and demanded a ransom of R30 000 from his family.
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Horrific images of the Wits student tied up and badly assaulted were sent to his family, in an attempt to compel them to pay the ransom.
On 19 September 2023, the kidnapped student’s roommate reported that he was missing.
Investigations were conducted into the matter.
A police sting operation was set in motion to catch the kidnappers.
The police zeroed in on an ATM, where a suspect withdrew some of the money “paid as ransom”.
The police arrested the suspect while he was withdrawing the money.
The accused led the police to Denver men’s hostel where the student was being held.
He was found unconscious and was rushed to the hospital, where he is receiving treatment.
Six other suspects were arrested by the police at the hostel.
On Wednesday, all seven suspects were denied bail and remanded in custody.
Acting Regional Court Prosecutor, Adolphus Mukwevho, argued against granting the suspects bail, saying that the state witnesses were known to the accused and that the family of the complainant previously received threats from the accused and are living in fear.
The prosecutor further added that it would not be in the interest of justice to release the suspects on bail.
The accused will next appear in court on 15 November 2023.
