NPA cites insufficient evidence linking Zambian national to kidnapping, peddling drugs

JOHANNESBURG - The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) claims there is insufficient evidence linking a Zambian national to kidnapping and drug peddling charges.

This follows the arrest of the 40-year-old man during a joint operation by police and the Hawks at OR Tambo International Airport on Sunday.

He was meant to appear in the Roodepoort Magistrates Court on Monday but was released from custody due to insufficient evidence.

The man police have labelled as the mastermind behind a kidnapping syndicate targeting businessman in South Africa was released from custody on Tuesday.

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According to sources, he was positively linked to the kidnapping of a businessman in Roodepoort in July.

The victim was rescued from a property in Lenasia earlier this month.

The rescue coincided with a massive drug bust at a property in Fourways, where R300 million worth of crystal meth was recovered and several others arrested.

In their statement on Sunday, police said the suspected kingpin had links to the kidnapping of the Joburg businessman and the Fourways drug bust.

Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe says they will not comment further on the matter as there is still a case against others arrested at the drug bust.