DRC kidnap trio in court
2005-06-20 14:01
Pretoria - The case of three men accused of kidnapping the daughter of the Democratic Republic of Congo's (DRC) deputy transport minister has been postponed until June 30.
The case was postponed in the Pretoria magistrate's court on Monday for disclosure of the docket to the defence. A bail application had not yet been brought before the court.
The case was initially postponed on May 11 as Ismail Jacque, 31, of Burundi and Idi Mutembwa, 23, of the Democratic Republic of Congo wanted to apply for legal aid.
They are charged with kidnapping and extortion with their co-accused David Rusagara, 28, who is also from the DRC. The accused are still in custody as it is suspected that they are illegal immigrants.
The State earlier also indicated it would oppose any bail application.
It is alleged that the accused kidnapped Elisee Mulunjula, 10, from the Sunnyside Primary School in Pretoria in March.
She is the daughter of Ellias Mulunjula, the DRC's deputy minister for transport and communication.
Apparently they made a ransom demand of US$100 000.
Police followed up information and arrested the men near the Eastgate shopping centre in Johannesburg. The girl was found in a minibus taxi parked nearby.
- SAPA