- Suspects Face Multiple Serious Charges: Six men are accused of kidnapping, trafficking, extortion, firearms possession, and possessing a signal-blocking device, highlighting the severity of their alleged crimes.
- Details of the Kidnapping Case: The case involves the abduction of Tracey Catherine Fourie, who was held captive and released after a ransom was paid, with initial demands far exceeding the amount paid.
- Seizure of Illegal Items by Police: Authorities recovered a prohibited signal-blocking device and firearms without licenses, violating telecommunications and firearm regulations.
Six men have appeared in the Gqeberha Magistrates’ Court facing charges of kidnapping, trafficking in persons, extortion, unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, and possession of a prohibited signal-blocking device. The accused are Mthetho Ntleko (46), Mzameni Matyunza (51), Malibongwe Dayile (33), Nyaniso Sabundla (51), Aviwe Twatwa (26), and Tamsanqa Matlabe (24).
The case relates to the abduction of 62-year-old Tracey Catherine Fourie on 20 August 2025 from student accommodation in Sydenham. She was forcibly transported from Kariega to an undisclosed location and held captive in a confined room. She was released on 25 August after her partner paid a ransom of R200 000, though the suspects had initially demanded R5 million.
On 27 August, police recovered a multi-band signal-blocking device in Newton Park, a prohibited item under telecommunications regulations. On the same day in Motherwell, officers seized a 38 Special revolver and live cartridges. None of the accused had valid licences, contravening the Firearms Control Act.
The backgrounds of the accused reveal previous convictions: Dayile was jailed in 2016 for rape, Sabundla served 22 years for robbery from 1991, and Twatwa faces a pending case in Kariega for suspected stolen property. Ntleko, Matyunza, and Matlabe have no prior records.
The case, classified under Schedule 06, has been remanded to 04 September 2025 for a formal bail application. The National Prosecuting Authority confirmed it will oppose bail, pledging firm action against organised and violent crime.
