Man arrested for alleged links to abduction of Portuguese butchers could get life sentence
The man arrested for alleged links to a kidnapping syndicate that has been targeting Portuguese butchery owners in Gauteng could face up to life behind bars.
Bongani Dube appeared in the Roodepoort Magistrates Court on Thursday, for his alleged involvement in the kidnapping of a Portuguese businessman last week.
The victim was kidnapped outside his butchery in Florida, Roodepoort.
Dube cut a lone figure in the dock during his appearance in the Roodepoort Magistrates Court.
He was detained by police on Monday, for his alleged involvement in a kidnapping syndicate targeting Portuguese butchery owners in Gauteng.
Earlier this week, the publication reported that since January 2023, around 20 Portuguese butchery owners and their staff have been kidnapped in the province.
Dube faces charges of kidnapping, extortion, robbery with aggravating circumstances and contravention of the Immigration Act.
If he’s found guilty, he could be sentenced to hefty prison time as Magistrate Marlini Nair explained: “The State on conviction will be requesting life imprisonment for robbery with aggravating circumstances.”
Dube abandoned his bail, and the case will resume next week.
Community members in Florida, Roodepoort, have lauded police for their swift action in rescuing their local butcher who was kidnapped last week.
The butcher’s kidnappers held him hostage at a house in Soweto, demanding a ransom of R10 million for his safe release.
Residents were shocked when their local butcher was kidnapped last week.
Speaking to Eyewitness News, a Florida resident – who wanted to remain anonymous – said: “We saw it in the neighbourhood watch group and we’re really praying for him because he’s a human being. He’s a good guy for the community, we buy from him, he’s a good guy, he’s a businessman and employing people so why should they do that to him.”
-EWN
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