Court hears man linked to kidnapping of Portuguese butchery owner had previous conviction

JOHANNESBURG - The 39-year-old man linked to a kidnapping syndicate in Gauteng who has been targeting Portuguese butchery owners has had run-ins with the law.

Bongani Dube appeared in the Roodepoort Magistrate's Court on Thursday after being linked to the kidnapping of a 49-year-old Portuguese butchery owner.

Dube allegedly led police to a home in Snake Park in Soweto, where the victim was found handcuffed on Monday night.

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Dube, a Zimbabwean national, has previously been convicted of contravening the Immigration Act.

The court heard that Dube also absconded from a case where he was facing charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition last year.

A warrant was issued for his arrest.

Speaking through a translator, Dube told the court he absconded because he was sick.

"I've got a pending case of possession of firearm and ammunition in Johannesburg Magistrate's Court. I’ve absconded in that matter as I was sick."

The court prevented the media from filming Dube’s face, pending the conclusion of an identity parade.

Dube was detained by police on Monday, in Hillbrow.

Police are looking for several suspects who fled the home where the victim was being held.