Second Suspect in Shocking Biokineticist Kidnapping Case Appears in Court

A second suspect has appeared in court concerning the kidnapping of Gqeberha biokineticist Riana Pretorius, who has been reunited with her family. According to Algoa FM, on Wednesday, Xolani Kafile (40) appeared in the Magistrates’ Court in Gqeberha, and the court postponed his case to 5 April. Kafile was arrested the day before on kidnapping charges, according to spokesperson Warrant Officer Bonnie Nxumalo.

Nxumalo stated, “The Hawks’ investigation linked the accused to the kidnapping of a 30-year-old victim that was allegedly abducted outside her workplace in Newton Park, Gqeberha on 16 March 2023”. The first suspect, Xolisile Rawutini (39), was shortly arrested after he and his accomplices kidnapped Pretorius when police found him in the white Toyota Corolla used in the incident.

The three armed suspects allegedly accosted Pretorius, shoved her into the car and drove away. SAPS Flying Squad members spotted the vehicle on Old Grahamstown Road in Gqeberha, and a chase ensued. Rawutini was found in the car and arrested immediately, while the other suspects fled into the nearby bushes. Police recovered a 9mm Norinco firearm in the bushes. A further search at Rawutini’s residence in Motherwell, Gqeberha, led to the recovery of another gun with its serial number filed off.

Nxumalo said Rawutini had made two court appearances and would return to the dock with co-accused Kafile next week for a bail application. A third suspect reportedly involved in the kidnapping is still at large.

Also read:

Breaking News: A Ransom and Arrests – Gqeberha Biokineticist Safe

Picture: Pexels/ Sora Shimazaki