By Doreen Mokgolo
- Police arrested a Mozambican man linked to a 2022 kidnapping after he failed to appear in court.
- Faizel Charloos was caught hiding at a resort in Bela-Bela during a police operation.
A man wanted for kidnapping was arrested while hiding out at a resort in Bela-Bela.
Faizel Charloos, a 44-year-old from Mozambique, was on the run after he didn’t show up at the Protea Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday. He was meant to appear in connection with the 2022 kidnapping of Mohammed Bhiko, the son of businessman Yasin Bhiko.
Police arrested Charloos on Wednesday after tracking him down using crime intelligence. A joint operation between the Waterberg Flying Squad, Vision Security and Gauteng’s organised crime unit led to his arrest.
Limpopo police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Thakeng said the arrest followed a warrant issued for Charloos.
“He is expected to appear before the Lenasia Magistrate’s Court soon, facing charges of escaping from lawful custody and kidnapping,” he said.
Charloos and five other suspects were arrested in March 2022 for the kidnapping of a businessman from Lenasia. He later failed to return to court, leading police to launch a search operation.
The police have not said how long he was hiding at the resort or whether anyone helped him.
Charloos is expected to face fresh charges related to skipping court in addition to the kidnapping case.
Pictured above: Faizel Charloos was tracked down and arrested by police.
Image source: Supplied by SAPS
