Charges dropped against missing man’s alleged kidnappers

Doreen Premdev|Published 1 month ago

Three people appeared at the KwaDukuza Magistrates’Court, north of Durban on Wednesday. The accused faced charges ofkidnapping, extortion and attempted murder of a businessman, howeverthe state decided to withdraw the charges against the accusedPicture: UNSPLASH FREE DOWNLOADS

Esmael Maulide Ramos Nangy, Stefane Pereira Da Costa Brites, and Samkeliso Honest Mlotshwa appeared at the KwaDukuza Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (January 22). The accused face charges of kidnapping, extortion and attempted murder.

Their appearance relates to the September 2024 kidnapping of a KwaDukuza businessman, said National Prosecuting Authority regional spokesperson, Natasha Ramkisson-Kara.

“After a careful consideration of the matter including consultations with the relevant stakeholders, the state has decided to withdraw charges against all three accused,” said Ms Ramkisson-Kara. “Charges against the accused of kidnapping businessman, Zakariyya Desai, outside a mosque in KwaZulu-Natal have been withdrawn.”

Mr Desai who owns, Desai’s Cash and Carry, was taken by force in September 2024, after attending a night prayer. The suspects were driving a silver VW Polo. The assailants fired several shots as others tried to stop the kidnapping, said Ms Ramkisson-Kara. One of the accused, Mr Mlotshwa is a policeman employed with the South African Police Services (SAPS). Mr Desai’s whereabouts remain unknown.