In a significant breakthrough, three Zimbabwean nationals—Luckmore Tawanda Muzhira (28), Takudzwa Trust Nzounhenda (35), and Itai Elvis Takawira (39)—faced serious charges in the Stellenbosch Regional Court this morning after their arrest for kidnapping, assault with grievous bodily harm (GBH), armed robbery, and extortion.
The arrests follow a multi-agency operation conducted by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation team, the SAPS Provincial Organised Crime unit, the Hostage Negotiation Team (HNT), and the Boland K9 Unit. The operation was launched on 28 February 2025, in response to a kidnapping that occurred a day earlier.
Kidnapping Case Unfolds
The victim, a Stellenbosch shop owner, was reported missing on 27 February 2025, prompting his family to alert authorities. Later that day, they received a chilling WhatsApp message from an unknown sender, claiming to know the victim’s location and demanding a ransom of R100,000.
The message further revealed that the kidnappers were initially demanding R5 million but the sender insisted that he needed the smaller amount of R100,000 to ensure the victim’s safety, fearing for his life.
As tensions rose, the victim’s brother was sent a disturbing video showing the victim bound and blindfolded, with threats of death unless the ransom was paid.
Swift Action by Authorities
The investigation quickly gained momentum as a collaborative team of law enforcement officials worked tirelessly to locate the victim and the kidnappers. A breakthrough came when two vehicles suspected to be involved in the kidnapping were identified.
On 28 February, one of the vehicles, a black VW, was intercepted near Stellenbosch by the Boland K9 Unit. Inside the vehicle, authorities found the victim, who had sustained severe head injuries during the ordeal. He was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment, where he was evaluated for his injuries.
Court Proceedings
The suspects were charged with multiple crimes, including kidnapping, assault, robbery, and extortion. They were remanded in custody as their case was postponed to 14 March 2025 for a formal bail application.
The rapid and coordinated response from the Hawks and other law enforcement agencies led to the safe recovery of the victim and brought swift justice to the perpetrators of this harrowing crime.
