Two Ethiopian nationals appeared in the Waterval Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 22 May, on charges relating to immigration violations and the possession of illicit cigarettes. They are also linked to a kidnapping case. The matter was postponed to 2 July for further investigation.
The accused are also expected to appear in the Giyani Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 25 May, on kidnapping charges following a police operation in Valdezia, outside Levubu, where five allegedly kidnapped foreign nationals were rescued from a spaza shop.
The case forms part of a broader investigation launched after a foreign national living in Giyani reported that he had received ransom demands following the abduction of his brother.
According to police, members of the Provincial Organised Crime Unit followed up on intelligence that led them to a spaza shop in Valdezia. During the operation, officers discovered five foreign nationals, aged between 18 and 24, locked inside a room on the premises. The victims were reportedly found half-naked and visibly distressed.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the victims had allegedly been kidnapped separately in the Giyani area before being transported to Valdezia, where they were allegedly held captive for about 12 days while ransom demands were made to their relatives. Police said the victims reported being assaulted and fed only bread during their captivity.
During the operation, police seized illicit cigarettes, cellphones and cash from the premises. Two Ethiopian nationals were arrested at the scene.
Police said two additional suspects linked to the alleged kidnapping syndicate are still being sought.
During Friday’s proceedings in Waterval, the court was informed that the accused do not speak English and require the assistance of an interpreter. Proceedings were delayed because no interpreter was immediately available.