Six accused of kidnapping & other crimes, make court appearance in Lenasia

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On 18th March 2022, a Lenasia businessman was safely reunited with his family, three days after he was Kidnapped. Luqman Kazi, a 34-year-old businessman was kidnapped while on his way to work on Tuesday, 15th March 2022.
SAPS Colonel Athlenda Mathe said: “Following the kidnapping, a multidisciplinary team was assembled to rescue the victim and apprehend the kidnappers. During a midnight takedown operation on Thursday, 17 March 2022, the team simultaneously pounced on four identified addresses. At the first address in Lawley, police found and rescued the victim, seized a 9mm unlicensed firearm and arrested three suspects.
“At the other addresses in Lenasia, the team arrested three more suspects which include a 43-year-old Mozambican national believed to be the mastermind behind a number of Kidnapping cases in Gauteng. Police also found and seized R6 million in cash which is believed to be ransom paid on other kidnapping cases, an unlicensed AK47 rifle, ammunition, one hijacked motor vehicle, a VW polo that was utilised in the kidnapping of the businessman, military grade signal jammers as well as various vehicle registration number plates. 
“All six are facing charges of kidnapping, extortion, money laundering, possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition as well as possession of a hijacked motor vehicle.”
National Commissioner of the SAPS, General Khehla Sitole applauded the team’s persistent efforts.
He said: “This success would not have been possible if it wasn’t for the dedication and persistent efforts of members from the Crime Intelligence National Kidnapping Task Team, the Special Task Force (STF), Organised Crime, Gauteng Flying Squad and Gauteng Province Saturation Unit, EMPD, Visible Policing and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI). We also appreciate the assistance by private security who continue to be our eyes and ears.” 
Colonel Mathe added: “In another unrelated kidnapping case, an intelligence driven operation led to the rescue of four Bangladesh nationals in Betrams, Gauteng. The four were kidnapped on Thursday, 10 March 2022 in Musina, Limpopo. Two Ethiopian nationals have since been arrested.”
The bail hearing for the six accused took place today at the Lenasia Magistrates Court but the matter was postponed to Monday, 28th March at the Protea Magistrates Court in Soweto. 
Lenasia Times asked for comment from the accused’s legal representative who said for now there is no comment and that the accused deny all allegations.
Local crime fighter Shahim Ismail of Lethal Forces has been creating tremendous awareness on this case.  
Shahim complained about the poor turnout by the Lenasia community for this bail hearing and warned that we are all in danger from crimes such as kidnapping, hijacking, extortion and such.
The full interview Lenasia Times did with him outside the Lenasia Magistrates Court can be seen here: 
https://youtu.be/iv97zrA25Zs

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