Lovers bust in R50k kidnap claim

Share current article via FacebookShare current article via PinterestShare current article via WhatsAppShare current article via TwitterShare current article via LinkedInNewsLovers bust in R50k kidnap claimBy: Ntebatse Masipa • 16m agoAdd as a preferred source on GoogleFollow on Google NewsListen to this article-00:00lead-art-block.fullscreen-enterExpandA Limpopo couple faces extortion, perjury and defeating the ends of justice charges after cops uncovered an allegedly staged R50 000 kidnapping. (Pic for illustration purposes only) Couple behind bars for ‘fake ransom’ dramaA couple’s alleged plan to get quick cash has backfired after police discovered that a R50 000 kidnapping case was allegedly staged.

Tap here to download the FREE Daily Sun App

A 43-year-old man and his 28-year-old girlfriend now face extortion, perjury and defeating the ends of justice charges.

R50 000 ransom demand sparks police search

The incident unfolded in Senwabarwana, Limpopo, after worried family members received a call from a stranger claiming their loved one had been kidnapped.

The caller threatened to kill the woman before 8am if R50 000 was not paid immediately.

The family rushed to the police, prompting a search across provinces.

Investigators from Limpopo Organised Crime Investigations, National Crime Intelligence and Hillbrow Detectives joined the search in Gauteng on Saturday, 17 October, working round the clock to find the woman.

Boyfriend allegedly gives false statement

Cops made a breakthrough when they traced the woman’s boyfriend.

He allegedly told the police under oath he didn’t know his girlfriend’s whereabout.

However, police said he later admitted during questioning that he had taken her to his family home in Jane Furse, in the Sekhukhune District.

Police went to the homestead and found the woman safe, with no injuries or complaints.

Police then established that the kidnapping had been staged.

The couple was arrested and taken to Senwabarwana Police Station.

Limpopo provincial commissioner Lieutenant-General Jan Petrus Scheepers criticised the pair for wasting police time and resources.

“Police resources are limited and must be directed towards genuine cases that threaten the safety and security of our communities,” said Scheepers.

“Deliberately misleading the police, making false statements under oath, and demanding money through threats are serious matters that may result in criminal prosecution.”

Ntebatse Masipa is a journalist at Daily Sun, specializing in crime, education, health, service delivery stories and human-interest stories.

Opens in new windowOpens in new windowOpens in new windowOpens in new windowRelated ArticlesLovers bust in R50k kidnap claim16m ago