Kidnappers aided by policemen, says victim

Immigration probe into Pakistani nationals

TWO policemen from Pietermaritzburg appeared in court this week for allegedly aiding five Pakistani kidnappers.

Jashandra Supal, 42, and Sizwe Mkhize, 30, employed as highway patrol officers and members of the Pietermaritzburg flying squad, appeared with Pakistani nationals Khalik Amin, Atif Nasim, Nadeem Akhder, Sikander Akhder and Masir Ali in connection with the alleged kidnapping of Indian national Moshin Patel.

Patel said he was taken from his home on July 2 by two armed men, who he believed were posing as police, and handed over to his kidnappers. He was held captive for 22 days in an abandoned house in Port Shepstone.

The kidnappers allegedly demanded R1-million in ransom from Patel’s family.

The five were arrested after Patel was rescued in a joint operation between a local security company and the police.

Supal and Mkhize were arrested on August 1 and were released on bail of R1 000 the next day.

They have claimed in affidavits that the victim volunteered to assist them with a case.

Both officers said they had been acting on a tip-off regarding the sale of illegal cigarettes, which led them to Patel’s residence.

Supal said a search of the home was conducted and Patel then volunteered to accompany them to his family’s store, where another search was done.

Supal said their source then arrived with a few other people and Patel left with them after assuring the officers that they were his friends.

All seven accused made another appearance at the Underberg Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.

The case was remanded until Tuesday to allow investigators time to verify the immigration status of the Pakistani nationals.

The five will remain in custody. Both Supal and Mkhize have had their bail extended.