EASTERN CAPE – Besule Mayila (34) appeared at the Centane Magistrates’ Court on 24 October 2022. This follows his arrest by the Hawks’ Kidnapping Task Team in East London on 20 October 2022 for charges of kidnapping, armed robbery, hijacking and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

It is alleged that on 21 September 2022 around 18:40, three Bangladeshi men and a Chinese were driving their vehicle towards Butterworth where they reside when they were accosted by a group of men driving a silver VW Polo. They are said to have been hijacked and kidnapped. The suspects allegedly robbed them of their Volvo XC 90 vehicle which was later found abandoned in Tsomo area.

It is further alleged that on 22 September 2022, the suspects contacted the families of the victims and requested a ransom of R2 million.  On 19 October 2022, five suspects were arrested when they are alleged to have attempted to hijack a truck in Butterworth area. One of the suspects was positively identified as being responsible for the hijacking and kidnapping that took place on 21 September 2022. The investigation is ongoing and further arrests are imminent.

Mayile made a short court appearance and the matter was remanded to 28 October 2022 for bail application and legal representation.

Source: South African Police Service