Accused in Grindr kidnappings also wanted in Gauteng for similar crimes - NPA

CAPE TOWN - The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said that the three men implicated in the abduction and extortion of gay men in Cape Town were also wanted in Gauteng for similar crimes.

Mlungisi Mbuthu, Bongani Zulu and Zwelakhe Ngwenya appeared briefly at the Cape Town Magistrates Court on Thursday where they provisionally abandoned their bail application.

The trio from Soweto, dubbed the Grindr Gang, is accused of luring gay men in Cape Town using the dating app that caters to the LGBTQIA+ community.

It's alleged that Mbuthu, Zulu and Ngwenya would kidnap their targets and extort money from them.

They are reportedly linked to similar offences in Gauteng.

NPA spokesperson, Eric Ntabazalila, said that the trio faced six charges of kidnapping and extortion in Cape Town and more charges were likely to be added.

"They want to deal with some warrants of arrest that they have in the Gauteng region before they can come back and apply for bail. So that's why they abandoned their bail."

The State intends opposing bail when the suspects appear in court again on 15 October.