The Eastern Cape Hawks have linked a 59-year-old man to the kidnapping of Sonam Gajjar, wife of a prominent local businessman in Kariega.
On March 13, 2024, Gajjar, 34, drove out of her yard on Mosel Road in Kariega. While waiting for the gate to close behind her, the driver’s side window was smashed. She was then taken from her car and pushed into a waiting white Hyundai. She was freed without injury two days after the event.
Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana, a spokesperson for the Provincial Hawks, claimed they had effectively linked Mnyamezeli Lakhona Tete to Gajjar’s kidnapping.
Tete’s co-accused in the case is Mzonoxolo Grwayibana.
Grwayibana was detained on May 16 and was later freed on R3,000 bail.
His case was postponed until July 16.
Tete has been in detention since his arrest on June 9, 2024, for alleged complicity in the kidnapping of Running Rodney Chen, a 31-year-old Chinese businessman.
Mhlakuvana stated that Tete appeared before the Gqeberha New Law Court on July 4 to face charges of kidnapping.
He is scheduled to appear on Tuesday for a formal bail application.
Mhlakuvana warned that additional arrests are imminent.
