South Africa:

The ten foreign nationals were traveling along the N1 from Musina when they were stopped by another vehicle in January. Photo: SAPS

Alleged mastermind behind the kidnapping of 10 foreign nationals remanded in custody

Preliminary investigations reveal that the suspect had made ransom demands to families of the ten foreign nationals.

South Africa:

The ten foreign nationals were traveling along the N1 from Musina when they were stopped by another vehicle in January. Photo: SAPS

An alleged kidnapping mastermind has been remanded in custody. 

MASTERMIND ALLEGEDLY ORCHESTRATED KIDNAPPING OF 10 PEOPLE

This as the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on Thursday remanded the man who is believed to be behind the abduction of ten foreign nationals in Polokwane in January 2022.

Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Netshiunda said Dilpazeer Azam, a 39-year-old Pakistani national was arrested in Centurion on Sunday, 6 February.

She said he was nabbed during an intelligence-led operation.

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“The suspect first appeared before the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on 8 February 2022 where his case was transferred to the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court.”

INVESTIGATIONS REVEAL RANSOM DEMANDS WERE MADE

“Preliminary investigation has revealed that the suspect was making calls to the families of the victims demanding ransom.” 

Netshiunda said it was reported that on 26 January ten foreign nationals were traveling along the N1 from Musina when they were stopped by another vehicle. 

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“The victims were allegedly loaded into another vehicle and were transported to Polokwane where they were allegedly handed to the suspect near the Peter Mokaba Stadium.”

On Thursday, 10 February 2022 the investigating team operationalized intelligence information which led them to a lodge in Bruma, Johannesburg where the ten victims were rescued unharmed. 

The suspect is expected back in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on 17 February where he will make a formal bid for bail.

Netshiunda said police investigations were continuing and more arrests were imminent.