The 39-year-old man linked to a kidnapping syndicate in Gauteng who has been targeting Portuguese butchery owners has had run-ins with the law.
Bongani Dube appeared in the Roodepoort Magistrate’s Court on Thursday after being linked to the kidnapping of a 49-year-old Portuguese butchery owner.
Dube allegedly led police to a home in Snake Park in Soweto, where the victim was found handcuffed on Monday night.
Dube, a Zimbabwean national, has previously been convicted of contravening the Immigration Act.
The court heard that Dube also absconded from a case where he was facing charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition last year.
A warrant was issued for his arrest.
Speaking through a translator, Dube told the court he absconded because he was sick.
“I’ve got a pending case of possession of firearm and ammunition in Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court. I’ve absconded in that matter as I was sick.”
The court prevented the media from filming Dube’s face, pending the conclusion of an identity parade.
Dube was detained by police on Monday, in Hillbrow.
Police are looking for several suspects who fled the home where the victim was being held.
–EWN
In other news – State withdraws charges against Jub Jub
Well-known South African television presenter and rapper Molemo ‘Jub Jub’ Maarohanye is a free man again. The state has withdrawn all the charges against him at the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.
Maarohanye was accused of three counts of rape, two of attempted murder, and one of assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm. The offenses date back between 2006 and 2010. He was arrested in July last year and has been out on bail. Read More
