GQEBERHA – In yet another postponement of a court case, which was supposed to be the final remand, Ayabulela Busakwe and Andile Mathumbu, accused of kidnapping, extortion, and intent to traffic humans, appeared at the Gqeberha Regional Court today, 4 February 2026, displaying a casual demeanour whilst facing a Schedule 6 crime.
The pair appeared in the dock with blank looks on their faces, wearing face masks whilst showing no physical remorse for the serious charges against them.
They face charges of kidnapping for human trafficking and extortion following the alleged abduction of Theresa Minnie from her Fairbridge Heights home on the morning of 11 August 2025. The suspects allegedly demanded her husband Karel pay a R10 million ransom for her safe return.
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Busakwe elected to abandon his bail whilst Mathumbu applied for bail. During the proceedings, the venue and date for Mathumbu’s bail application were set for Tuesday, 10 February. Should the proceedings last longer than one day, the matter will continue on Friday, 13 February at the Regional Court.
Mathumbu allegedly does not have any pending cases; however, Busakwe is involved in another high-profile murder case involving State prosecutor Tracy Brown, and is scheduled to appear for that case on 3 March.
The pair will share the Regional Court dock again on 5 March, as the matter was remanded for Legal Aid, who are representing Busakwe, to obtain copies of the docket and consult with Busakwe. The suspects will remain in custody.
