| Kidnapping and human trafficking accused remanded in custody | |
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| Date Published: | 2024/05/21 |
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Media Statement POTCHEFSTROOM - A 46-year-old Higino Da Silva Cruz, who is from Angola, was remanded in custody for further investigation, upon appearance in the Klerksdorp Magistrates’ Court today for kidnapping, human trafficking, extortion and contravention of Section 29 of the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act No. 13 of 2002). The accused will make a second court appearance on Tuesday, 28 May 2024. The accused’s arrest and court appearance came after information was received from National Crime intelligence that there was a Brazilian national kidnapped at Klerksdorp. The team comprising of Provincial Organised Crime and Anti-Gang Unit, was mobilised and attended to the matter. The team proceeded to a guesthouse in Oudedorp, Klerksdorp where the search was conducted. During the search, two non-South African males were found. One of them was the kidnapping victim, who is a Brazilian, aged 39, while the other with Portugal, Angola and Namibia citizenship, was guarding the victim. The latter was successfully rescued and attended by paramedics. According information, the victim and the suspects arrived at the guesthouse on Friday, 17 May 2024, after being offered a job on Tuesday, 02 April 2024, as a Diamond Expert in the country. He allegedly entered the country through Angola and Namibia, then met the suspect who then took his passport and bank cards. The victim was ultimately kidnapped and the suspects started to demand ransom. The North West Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena applauded both the National and Provincial Units involved in the operation for their dedication that led to the arrest and rescuing of the victim. Ends
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