Gauteng cop and wife charged with kidnapping, extortion of Swiss national

JOHANNESBURG - A Gauteng cop from Tarlton Police Station and his wife have appeared in court for the extortion and kidnapping of a Swiss national diamond dealer.

Sergeant John Motladile and his wife, Yvonne, briefly appeared in the Kempton Park Magistrates court on Wednesday afternoon.

They face charges of kidnapping and extortion relating to a 23-year-old Swiss national who arrived in Joburg last week, to purchase diamonds after seeing an advert on Facebook for the gems.

The victim was held against his will at a home in Randfontein last week, where he met with a prospective seller of two uncut diamonds.

Motladile interrupted the sale, threatening to arrest the victim should he not pay them more than R200,000.

The victim was forced into a marked police van, driven to a popular fast-food outlet and ordered to buy the Motladile and his wife food and drinks.

He allegedly paid the Motladile and his wife close to R50,000, but this wasn’t enough.

Interpol raised the flag after the victim’s family contacted authorities for assistance.

The victim was released shortly after crime intelligence members made contact with him, scaring Motladile and his wife.

The pair were positively identified by the victim on Tuesday and arrested.

They will remain in custody before applying for bail next week.