The kidnapping trial of a Gqeberha biokineticist that got underway in the city's regional court on Monday, has been remanded to next year.
Riana Pretorius was kidnapped outside of her workplace in Newton Park on 16 March 2023.
She was released eight days later, after her father, Pieter Pretorius paid a hefty R1,1 m ransom.
Both father and daughter testified on behalf of the state this week.
State Advocate Benedict Wilson led them to testify on the events that unfolded prior, during and after the ordeal.
When Riana stood in the dock she told the court how she was moved from one stash house to the next while her alleged kidnappers negotiated the price for her freedom.
Pretorius told the court he struggled to raise the ransom amount, which had to be delivered in cash.
As part of Pretorius' evidence, Wilson played several videos in court of a tearful Riana begging her father to pay the ransom so that she could return home.
The videos were sent to Pretorius as proof-of-life.
Father and daughter faced a gruelling cross-examination by defence attorney Wayne Mac Gear, who among others accused Riana of orchestrating her own kidnapping to solicit money from her dad.
Also read: Defence says biokineticist Riana orchestrated own kidnapping
Mac Gear said Riana either acted in cahoots with her ex-boyfriend, Carel du Preez, or he did so alone.
According to Mac Gear, du Preez's financial woes gave him a motive to commit the crime.
The accused, Xolani Rawutini and Xolisile Kafile will remain behind bars until their next court appearance on 23 June next year.
