Cape Town - The man dubbed the “kidnapping king of Cape Town” will finally go on trial in the Western Cape High Court on a plethora of charges, including the murder of a victim.
Police spokesperson FC van Wyk said Sivuyile “Lollo” Mki made his most recent appearance in the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court on Friday, where he faced charges of kidnapping, extortion, aggravated robbery, theft, trafficking in persons, attempted murder and charges under the Prevention of Organised Crime Act.
Van Wyk said the crimes dated back to December 2022, when two Thai nationals were kidnapped.
“The suspects demanded R800 000 in ransom money to secure their release. Subsequently, only R30 000 was paid by the family. On December 26, 2022, the body of one of the hostages was discovered in Indloveni informal settlement, Harare.
“The remaining hostage was released by the suspects on the evening of December 28.”
Van Wyk said police arrested the suspects, which included a police officer.
“That same night the investigation team arrested three suspects, which included the accused, Constable Aphiwe Mondi and Xolani Jiyosi.
“Bail was successfully opposed and all accused were remanded in custody.
“Mki was also linked to the 2022 murder case. The matter was remanded to November 15 when the suspect will appear in the Western Cape High Court with the three previously charged accused.
“One of the accused, ex-police official Mondi, was dismissed out of the service.”
Van Wyk said Jiyosi also faced multiple charges of kidnapping, extortion and aggravated robbery in two other matters where his co-accused included two ex-police officers for the kidnapping of Chinese nationals in Melkobosstrand.
Mki was later arrested and added to the charge sheet.
Van Wyk said two months later, a South African woman was kidnapped while driving home from work.
The suspects demanded R4m for her release and the investigation team successfully rescued the hostage from a house in Mfuleni.
“The same day, eight suspects were arrested which included Mki. Bail was successfully opposed and all accused were remanded in custody. No ransom was paid. This matter was remanded to October 3 to Bellville Magistrate’s Court for trial.”
mahira.duval@inl.co.za
Cape Argus