EASTERN CAPE – A 40 year-old Akhona Jacu appeared before King Williamstown Magistrates' court on 18 October 2023, facing allegations of kidnapping. The DPCI kidnapping task team under Serious Organised Crime Investigation was commended by the Provincial Head of the Hawks, Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya in ensuring that the accused appeared before court. Jacu had been in police custody after he was arrested for allegations of extortion in Stutterheim on 13 August 2023, and has been remanded in custody. Several bail application attempts by the suspect were repeatedly opposed successfully.
On 22 June 2023, it is alleged that a foreign national was allegedly kidnapped at the gate of his home in King Williamstown. According to the allegations, the victim was confronted by three (3) unknown armed males who reportedly pointed him with a firearm and forced him into a silver Volkswagen Polo. The reports indicate that the victim was released after a day by his kidnappers. Subsequently the investigation linked Jacu to this kidnapping incident resulting in his arrest by the Hawks team on 18 October 2023.
Jacu ultimately appeared before King Williamstown Magistrates' court on the very same date of his arrest. The case was then remanded to 14 November 2023 for further investigation.