Three guys from Zimbabwe faced a judge Monday at the Stellenbosch court after they grabbed a man off the street and asked his family for millions. The court pushed their hearing back to March 14, when they'll ask to go free until trial. Police nabbed Luckmore Tawanda Muzhira, Takudzwa Trust Nzounhenda, and Itai Elvis Takawira last Friday during a big team effort. These men, aged 28, 35, and 39, face charges that include beating someone up, forcing money from people, stealing stuff, and taking someone against their will.
The cops worked together from different special units, including the Hawks, crime investigators, hostage experts, and even dog handlers. Police officer Lieutenant Colonel Siyabulela Vukubi explained that the victim vanished Thursday after he walked into a shop in Stellenbosch. The family later heard from strangers who wanted cash - lots of it. They even sent a scary video showing the missing man tied up with his eyes covered.
The family first got a message from someone claiming they knew where to find the victim. This person wanted $100,000 just to share that information. The messenger claimed the actual kidnappers demanded $5 million, but he needed the smaller amount because he feared the victim might die. Things became scarier when the victim's brother received a video showing the tied-up man. More threats followed, saying they would kill him if demands weren't met.
Police teams tracked down two cars they thought belonged to the kidnappers last Thursday. Officers stopped a black Volkswagen near Stellenbosch and found the victim inside. They rushed him to the hospital because he had serious injuries to his head. Thanks to smart police work, the man survived the ordeal. The quick action by multiple police units saved his life despite the brutal treatment he suffered at the hands of his captors.
The cops worked together from different special units, including the Hawks, crime investigators, hostage experts, and even dog handlers. Police officer Lieutenant Colonel Siyabulela Vukubi explained that the victim vanished Thursday after he walked into a shop in Stellenbosch. The family later heard from strangers who wanted cash - lots of it. They even sent a scary video showing the missing man tied up with his eyes covered.
The family first got a message from someone claiming they knew where to find the victim. This person wanted $100,000 just to share that information. The messenger claimed the actual kidnappers demanded $5 million, but he needed the smaller amount because he feared the victim might die. Things became scarier when the victim's brother received a video showing the tied-up man. More threats followed, saying they would kill him if demands weren't met.
Police teams tracked down two cars they thought belonged to the kidnappers last Thursday. Officers stopped a black Volkswagen near Stellenbosch and found the victim inside. They rushed him to the hospital because he had serious injuries to his head. Thanks to smart police work, the man survived the ordeal. The quick action by multiple police units saved his life despite the brutal treatment he suffered at the hands of his captors.
