DURBAN – On 19 July 2022, a case of kidnapping was registered at Inanda SAPS after Akhona Mkhize (23) was kidnapped by unknown suspects at Matabetulu in Inanda. Akhona had visited her boyfriend and was kidnapped by unknown suspects in the absence of her boyfriend. Information was received that the vehicle with suspects that kidnapped her was seen leaving the premises with the ex-girlfriend of Akhona’s boyfriend.

On 20 July 2022, Detectives from Inanda SAPS assisted by the police officers from the Stabilisation Operation Team deployed in the province conducted an operation to trace the kidnapped victim and the suspects. The operation yielded positive results when they arrested a 34-year-old woman who later admitted that she orchestrated the kidnapping with the assistance of another man. The investigation led the team to a dumping site at Buffelsdraai in Verulam where the body of Akhona was found with strangulation marks.

The vehicle that was used in the commission of an offence was seized at Avoca Hills for further investigation. A 24-year-old man was traced and located at Echibini in Ixopo where he was arrested. Both suspects appeared before the Ntuzuma Magistrates Court on 22 July 2022. They were remanded in custody for a formal bail application.

Source: South African Police Service