A man (46) appeared in the Welkom Magistrates’ Court for allegedly kidnapping and robbing a 24-year-old woman in Welkom on Thursday, 25 January.
The woman alleges that she boarded a blue Toyota Tazz, serving as a taxi, and sat in the front passenger seat from Jason Road in Riebeeckstad to Welkom with two other male occupants.
The suspect, Albert Tameta, was driving around Riebeeckstad when the victim asked him where they were heading. She was then told she was being kidnapped. An amount of R50 000, R30 000 or R10 000 was demanded from the woman, to which she responded that she did not have that money.
She was instructed to contact anyone who could send her cash. She contacted a friend and R2 800 was sent to her.
Tameta and the other passenger then drove with the woman to Boitumelo Mall to withdraw the money Z one held her hand and the other walked next to her when they exited the vehicle.
Money was withdrawn and she gave them R2 800. Her cellphone was also taken and she was taken back to a shopping centre in Riebeeckstad.
The case was assigned to Det. Sgt Andrew Lechesa of Welkom Serious and Violent Crimes, and Tameta was arrested on 23 January in Reitzpark, Welkom.
The case was postponed to 13 February for a formal bail application. The search for the second accomplice continues.
