KWAZULU-NATAL – Five suspects aged between 18 and 47 appeared in the Empangeni Magistrates Court yesterday on charges of attempted murder, kidnapping and robbery. They were remanded in custody until 9 June for a bail application. It is alleged on 2 March 2020 a 23-year-old man was at Biyela Street in Empangeni when he was accosted by armed suspects who forced him into a vehicle and drove away.
The suspects stopped the vehicle at Ndlangubo area where they were joined by another four suspects who assaulted him, stabbed him with a sharp instrument and hacked him with bush knives. His two cellphones and sandals were also taken by the suspects.
He was rescued by a passer-by who took him to a hospital for medical attention. The matter was reported to the Empangeni police station and a case of attempted murder, kidnapping and robbery was opened. An intensive investigation led to the arrest of the five suspects on 29 May 2020 at Empangeni.
The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Khombinkosi Jula welcomed the arrest of the suspects.
