By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
An alleged kidnapping kingpin Esmael Malude Ramos Nangy arrested over the weekend in Centurion, Pretoria, has been remanded in custody until next week.
Nangy, 50 faces charges of kidnapping pertaining to alleged cases in Mozambique.
He appeared in a black hoodie and shackles before magistrate Karien Brits. The media were barred from photographing him in court.
According to Nangy’s attorney, Calvin Maile, the father of two has no previous convictions or pending cases.
Maile said Nangy was a well-respected transport businessman in SA and Mozambique.
He added his client had been living in SA since 2016 with his wife and two children and had no previous convictions or pending cases.
“He does not know where all the allegations come from and we also waiting to hear the facts and what evidence the State is relying on,” said Maile.
The state informed the court of its intention to oppose bail, given the seriousness of the charges he faces.
According to police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, the man was arrested during an operation led by members of the Trilateral Planning Cell (TPC) and the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL).
Mathe explained that the TPC is a structure of the Mozambican, South African and Tanzanian governments formed to “counter transnational organised crime in the region”.
“The team was acting on a warrant of arrest and an extradition request by the Government of Mozambique.
“On Saturday evening, the team also consisting of the Special Task Force (STF), Crime Intelligence and Organised Crime, pounced on Nangy at an identified address in Centurion where he was arrested.
“In his possession the team seized a 9mm licensed firearm, fourteen 9mm cartridges, five cellphones, multiple bank cards for South African banks as well as multiple SA and Mozambican sim cards,” Mathe said.
The matter was postponed to January 16 to allow the state to seek instruction from the director of public prosecutions and finalise the extradition process with Mozambican counterparts.