MAN SENTENCED FOR KIDNAPPING TWO TEENAGERS FROM BRITS

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the sentence imposed by the Pretoria High Court on Boitumelo Bradly Bogatsu (45).

Bogatsu was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment on each of two counts of kidnapping, 10 years’ imprisonment on each of two counts of extortion, and five years’ imprisonment for unlawful possession of a firearm. The court ordered that the sentences run concurrently, resulting in an effective sentence of 15 years’ direct imprisonment.

This is after the State had separated Bogatsu’s case from that of his co-accused, whose trial is yet to begin in the Pretoria High Court. They are Humphrey Martin (49), Neo Nathaniel Mokoena (41), William Sendrey Phage (58), Vergilio Hlongwane (33), Nkanyiso Bright Hadebe (25), Thulane Jacob Makume (47), Stephen Pitso Kgotsane (35) and Silence Robert Makhubela (31).

On 6 March 2024, Bogatsu and his co-accused allegedly kidnapped two teenagers, aged 17 and 18, near Central Combined School in Brits. They drove the teenagers to a house in Klipgat, where they were held.

After the kidnapping, Bogatsu called the parents of the 17-year-old girl and demanded R50 million. He also called the parents of the 18-year-old boy and demanded R60 million. He threatened that the teenagers would be killed or trafficked out of the country if the demands were not met.

Both families reported the kidnapping to the police on the same day. Following an investigation, the teenagers were found 20 days later on 26 March 2024 and reunited with their families.

Bogatsu and his co-accused were arrested and have remained in custody since the NPA successfully opposed their release on bail.

In court, Bogatsu pleaded guilty to the charges, admitting that he had kidnapped the teenagers and extorted their parents. The judge accepted his guilty plea, convicted him and imposed the sentences.

The trial of the remaining accused is scheduled to take place in the Pretoria High Court from 26 April to 14 May 2027.

Issued by:

Lumka Mahanjana

NPA Regional Spokesperson

Gauteng Division: Pretoria