Three alleged kidnappers of a Free State traffic department employee, who also defrauded the department of millions of rand, are due to appear in Parys court again on Friday.
Mosala Mogoje (35) and Thabiso Lebotsa (31), both South Africans, and Zimbabwean Reuben Dziwani (46) are still in custody.
On July 5, they briefly appeared in court after being arrested by members of the Hawks and the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC).
Colonel Zweli Mohobeleli, spokesman for the Hawks, said the trio’s presence was in connection with a bail application.
They were arrested on July 3 and accused of kidnapping an administrative officer and defrauding the provincial department of more than R8 million. The men are accused of kidnapping and fraud.
Mohobeleli said intensive investigations resulted in the arrest of the alleged kidnappers in Sasolburg in relation to an incident that took place on June 28. He said incriminating evidence was discovered during the arrest.
Ruben Dziwani
“Four mobile phones and cash were seized. The fraudulent transactions worth over R8 million related to the licensing of vehicles. It is not yet known how the suspects gained access to the software,” he said.
Mohobeleli said the clerk, who works at the Parys traffic department, was walking to work on June 28 when he was allegedly abducted by the trio.
“The passengers pretended to ask for directions before he was attacked and forced into the black Golf GTI that the suspects were driving. The victim was reportedly taken to Sasolburg where he was forced to make transactions using his fingerprint on a biometric system provided by the traffic department,” he said.
Mohobeleli said the victim reported the matter to the police after he was rescued by the suspects.
“After being interrogated, he led the police to the suspects. This led to the arrest,” he said.
Mosala Mogoje Photo: Supplied/Hawks
Thabiso Lebotsa Photo: Supplied/Hawks
Reuben Dziwani Photo: Supplied/Hawks
Teboho Setena
www.news24.com
