- Suspects in Court for Abduction in Kariega: Two men linked to the abduction of a 73-year-old woman appeared before the Kariega District Court, facing charges of extortion and kidnapping.
- Details of the Abduction Incident: The woman was abducted on 11 August 2025 when she was leaving her home, and a ransom demand of R1.1 million was made; she was released unharmed five days later.
- Legal Proceedings and Bail Applications: Both suspects have applied for bail, which the State is opposing; the court is scheduled to hear their bail applications on 27 August 2025.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has confirmed that two men linked to the abduction of a 73-year-old woman in Kariega, Eastern Cape, have appeared in court.
On 19 August 2025, Ayabulela Busakwe (31) appeared before the Kariega District Court, formerly Uitenhage, provisionally facing charges of extortion and kidnapping. He was joined by his co-accused, Andile Mathumbu (29), who appeared the following day on the same charges.
Both suspects have applied for bail, which the State is opposing. Neither of the accused has previous convictions or pending cases.
According to details presented in court, the elderly victim was abducted on the morning of 11 August 2025 as she was leaving her home. A Volkswagen Polo allegedly blocked her car, and two armed men forced her into their vehicle before fleeing the scene. Later that day, a ransom demand of R1.1 million was made.
The victim was released unharmed on 16 August 2025 and was found near the Kariega Police Station, where she was safely reunited with her family.
The matter has been postponed to 27 August 2025 for a formal bail application. The NPA commended law enforcement agencies for their swift action in securing the victim’s safe return and arresting the suspects. Investigations into the case are still underway.
