Three alleged kidnappers of a Free State Traffic Department clerk, who apparently also defrauded the department of millions of rands, are set to reappear in the Parys Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
Mosala Mogoje (35) and Thabiso Lebotsa (31), both South Africans, and Zimbabwean Reuben Dziwani (46) are remanded in custody.
They briefly appeared in court on 5 July following their arrest by members of the Hawks and the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC).
Col. Zweli Mohobeleli, provincial spokesperson for the Hawks, said the trio’s appearance pertains application for bail.
They were nabbed on 3 July, on allegations of kidnapping an administration clerk and the defrauding of the provincial department of more than R8 million. The men are charged with kidnapping and fraud.
Thabiso Lebotsa
Mohobeleli said intensive investigations culminated in the arrest of the alleged kidnappers in Sasolburg regarding an incident that took place on 28 June. He said incriminating evidence had been discovered during the arrest.
Reuben Dziwani
“Four cellphones and cash were seized. The fraudulent transactions worth more than R8 million pertained to the licensing of vehicles. It is not yet known how the suspects accessed the software,” he said.
Mohobeleli said the clerk, who works at the Parys Traffic Department, was walking to work on 28 June when he was reportedly kidnapped by the trio.
“The passengers pretended to be asking for directions before he was attacked and forced into the black Golf GTI the suspects were travelling in. The victim was allegedly taken to Sasolburg, where he was forced to perform transactions using his fingerprint on a traffic department biometric system,” he said.
Mohobeleli said the victim reported the matter to the police after being freed by the suspects.
“Upon being interviewed, he led the police to the suspects. This culminated in the arrest,” he said.
