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A suspect in the kidnapping case of Riana Pretorius made his second appearance in the Gqeberha Magistrate's Court today, March 24 to apply for bail.
However, his case was postponed to April 5 for a formal bail application.
The accused, Xolisile Rawutini, will remain in custody until this time. The state has indicated that it will be opposing bail.
State prosecutor, adv. Benedict Wilson, told the court that they are aware of the fact that the date for bail application is more than seven days away. The date is an agreement between the state and defence since Rawutini's lawyer, Mpumelelo "Bond" Nyoka, is handling other cases.
Nyoka confirmed that these are two pending cases against the accused of which one is in Kariega and the other in Despatch.
"The two pending cases are both business robbery with the one involving a firearm but he was released on R1000 bail," Nyoka said.
He added that this matter is a schedule 6 offence.
NPA spokesperson in the Eastern Cape, Luxolo Tyali, confirmed that the charge against Rawutini is the unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.
"The [kidnapping and conspiracy] charges will be formulated before the next appearance," Tyali said.
Meanwhile, 26-year-old Pretorius was safely returned to her family during the early hours of this morning.
Hawks spokesperson, Capt. Yolisa Mgolodela, confirmed that the biokineticist was found unharmed.
"She has been found safe and sound. I am so happy that she has been found," Mgolodela said.
Nelson Mandela Bay was shocked at the abduction that took place in broad daylight on the morning of March 16 outside the Newton Medical Centre in Newton Park where she works.
A ransom demand of R2 million was also made.
Two of the three suspects were arrested and the getaway vehicle impounded by police but the second suspect was reportedly later released as it turned out to allegedly be the wrong person. When asked to confirm if a wrong person was arrested, Mgolodela said that she did not want to confuse people and would rather send a detailed statement to the media after speaking to the team of investigators as the day progresses.
A prayer meeting was held at the same location last Sunday where loved ones gathered with candles to pray for Pretorius's safe return.
Pretorius was missing for almost eight days.
