A Zimbabwean fugitive who has been on the run for over two years was yesterday apprehended by Interpol and the police at an apartment in Sandton.
Police in Gauteng have confirmed the arrest of Zimbabwean fugitive and businessman, Frank Buyanga Sadiqi, who was wanted by Zimbabwean authorities for kidnapping, robbery and three counts of contempt of court, emanating from an incident which took place in April 2020 in Zimbabwe.
The suspect is alleged to have kidnapped his next of kin and fled to South Africa.
The operation to bring Buyanga to book was conducted by Interpol South Africa through the assistance of the SAPS’ National Intervention Unit. The operation took place in the early hours of Thursday at an upmarket hotel in Sandton, Joburg.
According to national police spokesperson, Colonel Athlenda Mathe, the Zimbabwean businessman is wanted by that country’s authorities for kidnapping, robbery and three counts of contempt of court.
Mathe said the charges against the businessman emanated from an incident which took place in April 2020 in Zimbabwe, where the suspect kidnapped his next of kin and fled with him to South Africa.
“A warrant of arrest was immediately issued by Zimbabwean authorities after which a red notice was also issued by Interpol Harare.
“Buyanga Sadiqi was arrested this morning and has already appeared before the Randburg Magistrate’s Court. His case has been remanded to November 17 for a formal bail application,” she said.
According to ZimLive, a warrant of arrest was immediately issued by Zimbabwean authorities after which a red notice was also issued by Interpol Harare.
The Hamilton Property boss appeared before the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on Thursday morning and was remanded in custody to November 17 for a formal bail application.
It is reported that Buyanga and ex-girlfriend Chantelle Muteswa have been embroiled in a bitter custody battle for their 8-year-old son for several years with each side claiming legal custody of the boy who was living with Buyanga since July 2019, before his mother took him from school without notice to Buyanga on March 11, 2020.
The businessman filed a police report accusing Muteswa of abducting the child, but he claimed police did nothing.
He snatched the boy from a parked vehicle in a movie-style operation on March 26, 2020, and his lawyers say he left the country with the child a day later.