A Cape Town police officer arrested for allegedly kidnapping and extorting Thai nationals has been sacked, Cape {town} Etc reports.
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Constable Aphiwe Mondi was arrested in December 2022, together with Sivuyile ‘Lollo’ Mki, a ‘kidnapping ring leader’ according to provincial police and Xolani Jiyosi.
This occurred after two Thai nationals were kidnapped in Mowbray while leaving work on 22 December 2022. The kidnappers demanded R800 000 for their release. Their families spent R30 000.
Four days later, one of the captives’ bodies were discovered in Khayelitsha’s informal settlement of Endlovini. The final hostage was liberated two days later. Mondi, Mki and Jiyosi were detained that same evening.
Captain Frederick van Wyk, a provincial police spokeswoman, confirmed Mondi’s dismissal on Sunday, according to TimesLive.
It came after Mki appeared in Wynberg Magistrates’ Court on Friday, charged with kidnapping, extortion, aggravated robbery, theft, human trafficking and attempted murder. He is also charged with violating the Prevention of Organised Crime Act.
According to Van Wyk, Mki is tied to the 2022 murder case. On 15 November, Mki is scheduled to appear in Western Cape High Court alongside Mondi and Jiyosi.
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‘Another accused, Xolani Jiyosi, also faces multiple charges of kidnapping, extortion and aggravated robbery on two other matters where his co-accused include two ex-police officers,’ said Van Wyk.
‘All ex-police officials were still in the service when arrested and charged for the matters. This case is pending in the Khayelitsha priority court.’
Van Wyk stated that the case involves two Chinese citizens who were kidnapped on 20 March 2023 in Melkbosstrand and Macassar.
‘They were held hostage at the premises of Lollo,’ said Van Wyk.
He stated that the investigation team had a breakthrough three days later, ‘and detained the first two suspects.’
Van Wyk stated that Mki was detained on 6 June 2023, and ‘charged for all offences and later added to the charge sheet along with the other accused.’
This case is proceeding at the Khayelitsha Regional Court. The suspect is scheduled to appear in court on 8 October.
‘Bail was successfully opposed and all accused remanded in custody. No ransom money was paid,’ said Van Wyk.
In a separate example, Van Wyk stated that a South African female was kidnapped while driving home from work last year, and the suspects sought an R4 million ransom for her release.
He stated that four days later, the investigating team successfully liberated the hostage from a residence in Mfuleni.
‘The same day eight suspects were arrested which included accused Sivuyile Mki. Bail was successfully opposed and all accused were remanded. No ransom was paid,’ said Van Wyk.
The matter will be back in the Bellville Magistrates’ Court on 3 October.
‘Accused Sivuyile Mki was previously arrested with two different criminal groupings on kidnapping, extortion and other serious related chargers. All matters are before different courts for trial,’ said Van Wyk.
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