A man arrested for allegedly kidnapping a Gqeberha doctor from his surgery earlier this month appeared in the KwaZakhele Magistrate’s Court on Monday, where the charges against him were provisionally withdrawn.
Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana said this was pending the ongoing investigation as more arrests are expected.
Dr Bongani Qini (55) was abducted while at his surgery on 1 July by four men at gunpoint and rescued unharmed nearly four days later, reports AlgoaFM.
Mhlakuvana said R6 000 and six cellphones belonging to Qini’s patients were stolen while an additional R50 000 in cash was taken from his vehicle.
A R500 000 ransom demand was allegedly made for the doctor’s release but the Hawks did not confirm whether or not any money was paid.
Head of the Hawks in the Eastern Cape Major-General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya said the doctor is a well-known community-builder.
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