The two cousins accused of kidnapping a Gqeberha businessman made a brief appearance in the city's magistrates court on Monday.
Mzonoxolo Grwayibana and Nyamezeli Tete have been charged in connection with the April kidnapping of Chinese national Running Chen, from his business premises in North End.
Chen was released after six days after his mother paid a hefty ransom amount.
Monday was the first time that the two appeared together since their separate arrests.
Also read: GQ businessman's alleged kidnapper in court
The state alleges that Tete was the mastermind behind the kidnapping, while his co-accused is linked to the case by way of a bank statement that was found in a house where Chen was allegedly held captive.
Chen is said to have snuck the bank statement into his pocket and handed it to the police after his release.
Previously, Grwayibana was released on bail of R3 000 while Tete's bail has been denied.
During Tete's lengthy bail application, the investigating officer, Lieutenant Colonel Rhynardt Swanepoel said he is believed to be a key figure and his arrest has likely led to the dismantling of the syndicate behind the ring of
kidnappings for the extortion of ransom monies in the Bay.
The court also heard how Tete allegedly tried to evade arrest and that he was out on parole for murder when kidnappings took place.
The case was postponed for further investigation and both accused will appear in court again on 9 October.
Also read: Kidnapped victim's crucial clues assist Hawks in dismantling syndicate
