Three foreign nationals based in Newcastle were arrested on Wednesday, 15 May 2024, by members of the Newcastle Hawks.
Those arrested were charged with kidnapping, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, malicious damage to property, and attempted murder, all related to an incident that took place in Ladysmith in January 2024.
The three suspects are accused of kidnapping Kiran Sewnarayan, the CEO of Aisure Group, Ladysmith. According to a statement issued on behalf of Sewnarayan by the Aisure Group, he was kidnapped by a group of armed men who broke into his house and ambushed him during the early hours of 12 January 2024.
“The armed group then drove to Dannhauser where he was led into a field and mercilessly attacked by the group of cowards. The kidnappers believed he was dead and fled the scene,” read the statement, which added that meticulous investigations by the Ladysmith SAPS and Hawks (Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations) led to the arrest of three Pakistani nationals on 15 May 2024.
While the Aisure Group was unable to divulge further information, Lieutenant Colonel Simphiwe Mhlongo, the Spokesperson for the Hawks, explained that on the day of the kidnapping, the accused arrived at Sewnarayan’s residence, demanding entrance while claiming to be police officers.
When Sewnarayan refused to open the door, Lieutenant Colonel Mhlongo said the suspects then kicked the door open and forcefully removed him from his home. After arriving at their destination, Lieutenant Colonel Mhlongo said Sewnarayan was severely beaten with hockey sticks.
After the suspects fled the scene, Sewnarayan was forced to drag himself out of the field to the roadside. “He was left helpless on the roadside and was assisted by a person who was passing by. He was then taken to hospital for medical attention,” said Lieutenant Colonel Mhlongo.
A case of kidnapping was reported at Ladysmith police station.“Hawks members took over the investigation and the three accused were arrested,” told Mhlongo.
All three suspects briefly appeared in the Ladysmith Magistrate’s court on Thursday, 16 May 2024, and were remanded in custody. The case was postponed to 23 May 2024 for a bail application.
The KwaZulu-Natal Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation Provincial Head, Major General (Dr) Lesetja Senona, welcomed the arrest and commended the members for their good work.
As the three suspects now await their next court appearance, the Aisure Group highlighted that Kiran Sewnarayan is a renowned digital forensics analyst and cyber investigator, who has been a beacon of justice in our society.
“With his expertise, he has assisted in over 1500 cases, ensuring that criminals are held accountable for their actions. His work is invaluable to maintaining law and order within our community. This incident not only threatens the life of an individual, but also brings to question, will the suspects attempt to undermine the very fabric of our legal system. If these criminals are allowed bail, it sends a dangerous message that those who attack the pillars of justice can do so without severe consequences,” the Aisure Group explained in their statement.
The company further highlighted that according to data from stitista.com, during the 2022/2023 fiscal year, the total number of kidnappings in South Africa reached 15,343 cases.
“This alarming figure underscores how critical it is that we take strong action against such crimes. We urge you to stand with us in demanding that no bail be granted for those who kidnapped and attempted to murder Kiran Sewnarayan,” noted the Aisure Group, who also pointed out that by doing so, a clear message would be sent that incidents such as this would not be tolerated.
The Aisure Group has called on residents to sign a petition to have the three suspects denied bail which you can sign here—-> https://chng.it/52gWBZXkwd
As further investigations into the matter are now underway, with the suspects set to appear before court again this week, what are your thoughts on the above?
Share your views in the comment section below.
11 Responses
They do not deserve freedom , keep them in jail . we all know if the get bail they will skip the country. Set them free and they will kidnap our kids
Justice must prevails I signed the petition and agree they must not get bail. How many others they must have done this to and got away. I read on another newspapers police are going to make more arrests. We do not need people like this on our streets putting the safety of the community in jeopardy
Unbelievable, are these people also involved in the other kidnappings in Newcastle that where in the news recently , Rumours are they run a cellphone shop in hutten heights is this true
The community has a right to know who is responsible for this in the interest of community safety. We want to see who these Pakistanis are. What are they doing based in Newcastle. South Africa has become a haven for international criminals . Its time the people and justice system end this. People harboring ilegal migrants , renting out homes and business to them must also be charged.
why where they not charged for impersonating police officials and are they in the country legaly or ilegaly
The pakistanis believe they are above the law and South Africans must bow down to them . They do not respect the law and directly and indirectly responsible for most of the crimes we experience. They open cellphone shops as its the keylink link to the the underworld. People in the underworld do not use legally purchased cellphones to avoid being traced. I hope these people never see the outside again. Citizens of South Africa need to stop supporting these criminals. Municipalities and law enforcement need to inspect these foreign owned stores for compliance with S.A laws and migration status of those present. Barber , cellphone sales and repairs are not critical skills. In my opinion if they do not posess a critical skill they should not be operating a business and stealing from our economy and building the economy of their country of origin
Finally someone has stood up to them and making them pay for their sins, I have been told they are linked to other crimes and about 20 of them attacked this man. Attacked by a group of cowards is such an appropiate description of these people . The law needs to give them the longest sentence possible and arrest the rest .
Speedy recovery to the victim .
Yes about 20 attacked him. He is a good friend with my husbands brother. We are all wondering what did he find on these guys that led to them trying to kill him. May justice be served and all get caught and remain in prison for life.
Are they in the country legally or ilegaly. Community knows its the guys from Cellfix arrested . Cellphone repairs and selling electronics definitely is not on the critical skills list. There have been numerous complaints about these guys. Finally someone has taken a stand against them, when will the rest be arrested.
They must be given the longest sentences ever and victim must sue the Pakistani embassy. Their citizens they must pay.
I am a Pakistani living in Newcastle. The citizen newspaper is saying they arrested Irfan Ullah Khan . Police must verify his passport nice because Irfan Ullah Khan from Kamoki Pakistan is a big Advocate his number is +923009644206 . This Irfan cellfix police arrest I know him he is big crime boss