Cala kidnapping, third suspect appears in court

EASTERN CAPE - Vuyisani Topo appeared in the Cala Magistrate’s Court today. This is subsequent to his arrest by the Eastern Cape Kidnapping Task Team on Friday, 12 August 2022 on allegations of kidnapping.

It is alleged that on 05 July 2022 at about 18:15, three suspects entered at Nosiphiwo Konzeka’s place at Ndondo Square in Cala where Constable Mfundo Ntshiba (35) attached to Cala Community Service Centre, Xolile Makhosini (37) traditional healer and taxi owner as well as Vuyisani Topo (38) kidnapped three victims and took an amount of R22 000-00 together with 98 bank cards. The victims were later rescued unharmed on the very same day.

Ntshiba was identified by the victim and was immediately arrested together with Makhosini. They both appeared in Cala Magistrate’s Court on 07 July 2022 and Makhosini was granted R2000-00 bail to reappear on 30 August 202 while Ntshiba was denied bail at the basis of being a law enforcement agent. Ntshiba later escaped lawful custody on 25 July 2022 during his third bail appearance till to date.

Topo was arrested on 12 August 2022 through public assistance after a long search by police. He appeared in Cala Magistrate’s Court on 15 August 2022 the case was remanded in custody until 22 August 2022 for formal bail application.

The Provincial Head Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya commended the public for the swift response to the appeal for assistance by the Task Team.

Source: South African Police Service