Case against senior cross-border officer linked to alleged kidnapping of women postponed

DURBAN - The case against a senior cross-border officer linked to the alleged kidnapping of women on the M4 highway in Durban has been postponed to next week.

The State said it still needed to verify some details, including the list of witnesses.

Vincent Botha made his first appearance in the Durban Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

He is charged with kidnapping, intimidation, assault and failing to safeguard a state firearm.

READ: Cross-border officer due in Durban court over kidnapping, assault

Botha is a senior officer and member of the cross-border unit in the road traffic inspectorate.

The State is accusing him of targeting women, particularly those driving fancy cars and assaulting them.

The State alleges some of the offences date back to October 2022.

State prosecutor, Advocate Clavin Govender, has asked for a postponement to allow investigators to complete some aspect of their investigation.

"At this stage, there’s still documentary evidence which the State needs to get a hold of. It is apparently at the office of the accused. Secondly, your worship, there’s certain witness statements from witnesses at the employ of the accused which are outstanding.”

Magistrate Ashveer Sighn granted the postponement and the matter returns to court on 23 July for a formal bail application, which the State says it will oppose.