A second suspect has appeared in court in connection with the kidnapping of Gqeberha biokineticist, Riana Pretorius, who has since been reunited with her family.
The Hawks said 40-year-old Xolani Kafile appeared in the Magistrates’ Court in Gqeberha on Wednesday where his case was postponed to 5 April.
Spokesperson, Warrant Officer Bonnie Nxumalo, said he was arrested the day before on kidnapping charges.
“The Hawks’ investigation linked the accused to the kidnapping of a 30-year-old victim that was allegedly abducted outside her workplace in Newton Park, Gqeberha on 16 March 2023,” she said.
The first arrest of 39-year-old Xolisile Rawutini was made shortly after Pretorius was kidnapped where he was found in the white Toyota Corolla that was used in the incident.
"It is alleged that the victim was accosted by three armed suspects who shoved her into a white Toyota Corolla and drove away. Immediately after the report was simulcast on police channels, SAPS Flying Squad members spotted the vehicle on Old Grahamstown Road in Gqeberha."
"A chase ensued, Xolisile Rawutini (39) was found in the car and was immediately arrested while other suspects abandoned the vehicle and ran into the nearby bushes. A 9mm Norinco firearm was recovered in the nearby bushes," Nxumalo said.
She said a further search at Rawutini’s residence in Motherwell, Gqeberha led to the recovery of another firearm with its serial number filed off,” Nxumalo said.
Nxumalo said he already made two court appearances and will return to the dock with co-accused Kafile next week for a bail application.
A third suspect reportedly involved in the kidnapping is still at large.
