- Ayabulela Busakwe faces murder charges for Tracy Brown’s death and kidnapping charges in a separate case.
- Kidnappers demanded R1.1-million ransom for a 73-year-old woman who was freed safely after five days.
A man arrested for kidnapping a 73-year-old Kariega woman has now been linked to the murder of state prosecutor Tracy Brown.
The accused, 31-year-old Ayabulela Busakwe, appeared in court alongside 33-year-old Sithembile Xungu. Xungu was arrested last week in connection with Brown’s murder.
Xungu first appeared in court on 25 August. The two men are charged with murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and unlawful possession of two firearms and ammunition.
The court moved the case to 10 September for Xungu’s bail application. He had first given up his bail bid but now plans to apply.
Busakwe has also given up his right to bail. For now, both men will stay in custody.
But Busakwe’s legal troubles do not end there. He is also facing charges in a separate case in Kariega.
There, he is accused with 29-year-old Andile Mathumbu of kidnapping and extortion.
The case involves the kidnapping of a 73-year-old woman outside her Kariega home on 11 August. Armed men in a Volkswagen Polo forced her into the car.
The kidnappers demanded R1.1-million for her release.
The victim was freed safely near the Kariega Police Station on 16 August and reunited with her family. Police arrested both suspects soon after.
Busakwe and Mathumbu will stay in custody after also giving up their bail applications. Their case will return to court on 22 October for further investigation.
Police are still investigating whether there are more people involved in either case.
Pictured above: Murdered state prosecutor Tracy Brown.
Image source: Facebook
