The Four men, including Lindokuhle Mthokozisi Thabede and Mvelo Khuzwayo, are set to appear in court next week for kidnapping an 11-year-old boy in 2022. The boy was kidnapped at gunpoint and held for a ransom of R1 million. The kidnappers, including his neighbor, demanded the ransom from the child's mother. The child was kidnapped on May 18, 2022, near his home in Umzinyathi, Inanda. They also kidnapped the child's driver and forced him into the boot of the car at gunpoint. The accused contacted the child's mother demanding the ransom, which was later given to them while under surveillance. The child was kept in the house until being rescued by police after one of the accused volunteered information about the child's location. The ransom money was recovered in the home of one of the accused.
The neighbour was the last accused to be arrested after being linked to the incident through cellphone evidence. Two police officers charged with murder are also due to appear in court. Ntokozo Petros Dlamini and Sthembiso Innocent Dlamini are accused of murder and attempting to defeat or obstruct the course of justice. They were not arrested but summoned to appear in court.
