Kidnapping Kingpin Suspect Refused Bail

The Tembisa Magistrates’ Court has refused bail to Esmael Ramos Nangy, who is accused of being a kidnapping kingpin and is sought by the Mozambican government. Nangy was provisionally arrested by South African authorities on 13 July 2022, following an indictment by the Mozambican government on charges of kidnapping and criminal association, according to The South African.

He was arrested on 7 January 2023 in a security estate in Centurion and appeared in court on 9 January. On 2 February 2023, the South African authorities received a formal request for Nangy’s extradition.

Nangy applied for bail pending the outcome of the extradition hearing, citing his transport business as a reason for release, but Senior State Advocate Michelle Bayat opposed bail, arguing that Nangy was a flight risk. Investigating officer Kabelo Derrick Seanego’s affidavit was presented as evidence of this.

If convicted in Mozambique, Nangy could face 16-20 years in jail for kidnapping and 8-12 years for criminal association. The state argued that releasing him on bail would undermine the proper administration of justice.

Magistrate Karin Britz ruled that the interest of justice did not allow for Nangy’s release on bail and postponed the case until 12 April 2023 for the state to submit its extradition documents.

Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko