Cape Town - The suspects accused of luring gay men on Grindr to rob them appeared in the Bellville Magistrate’s Court yesterday in connection with a victim in Durbanville.
Bongani Zulu and Zwelakhe Ngwenya were charged for the Durbanville robbery while in custody for kidnapping, extortion and robbery with aggravating circumstances in separate cases.
They were arrested on June 14 in Woodstock after holding a 50-year-old man hostage.
They are also linked to a hostage incident that occurred three days prior, where they set up a date with a man looking for companionship.
Initially, they were meant to meet in Sea Point but the suspect changed the venue to a place in Shortmarket Street, Bo-Kaap, where they robbed him and forced him to call his sister and ask for R3 000.
Their accomplice, Mlungisi Vincent Mbutu, was not charged in the Durbanville matter.
State prosecutor Luzaan Williams said the suspects were linked to six cases across Cape Town and requested that all matters be centralised.
“The charges are kidnapping, extortion, robbery and aggravating circumstances. The accused have various matters around Cape Town and we will obtain a certificate to centralise them. The State will oppose bail as this is a schedule 6 offence,” said Williams.
Of the Durbanville incident, National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila said: “It is alleged that the accused had been communicating with the complainant via the app. He was called and told to meet at a guest house. They then tied him up and demanded money from him.
“He called his employer, who paid them about R3 000 and he was released and able to identify them by photo identification. Their case has been postponed to July 24 for their lawyer to be present in court. And also for us to apply for a centralisation certificate.
“There are about six cases involving the accused and more are likely to be added. For example, when we return to court on Friday there will be a new Camps Bay case and more are being investigated.”
The pair are due in Cape Town Magistrate's Court tomorrow and Monday for similar charges.
Their lawyer, Nceba Jack, indicated that they would be bringing forward a bail application for two matters.
The State couldn’t provide the dates for the robberies but said the modus operandi was the same as what the accused allegedly used to lure unsuspecting gay men on Grindr before robbing, extorting and assaulting them.
Cape Argus