Sandra Moonsamy Kidnapping
Quick Update: Sandra Moonsamy has been recovered and is safe. More details to follow soon
Help bring home hostage Sandra Moonsamy (45) who is a mother, wife, and daughter. Although a man found in possession of her cell phone is still in police custody, investigators are appealing to the public for more leads which may assist in locating Sandra and bringing the perpetrators of her kidnapping to justice.
Sandra Moonsamy
Incident
Since Sandra's kidnapping until she was found
Sandra Moonsamy was kidnapped from Stapleton Road in Pinetown. The vehicle’s driver’s side window had two bullet holes and the left passenger window was smashed in. According to RUSA, a witness said several men in a silver Volkswagen Golf, a white hatchback BMW and a bakkie forced the businesswoman off the road. She locked herself in the vehicle but the suspects fired shots at the driver’s window. Other suspects broke the left passenger window with the butt of a firearm forcing her out. She was then forced into another vehicle and driven away. A passing security vehicle attempted to follow the suspects but was fired upon. The victim’s handbag and phone were left at the scene.
Arrests – Jerry Ogbuwany Gike Arrested
From incident till arrest
Jerry Ogbuwany Gike (35) was arrested after he was found in possession of a cell phone belonging to Sandra Moonsamy. Hawks spokesperson Captain Lloyd Ramovha confirmed that Gike was charged with theft and possession of suspected stolen property.
Brief Court Appearance – Jerry Ogbuwany Gike
From arrest to court case
Jerry Ogubuwany Gike appeared briefly in court today to hear the charges brought against him. Jerry’s legal representative said that he would be applying for bail. The next court appearance will be on 12 July 2019. Gike was remanded back into custody until his next appearance.
Court Appearance – Jerry Ogbuwany Gike
From previous court appearance to this court appearance
Facing charges of theft, Jerry Ogbuwane appeared in court today, only for the proceedings to come to a halt as a result of his unknown immigration status. The case has been postponed for further investigation in his immigration status and the next court date has been set for 24 July 2019. Gike was remanded back into custody
Second Brief Court Appearance – Jerry Ogbuwany Gike
From previous court appearance to this court appearance
Jerry Ogbuwane Gike appeared in court today again after a delay that saw the hearing postpone from 24th July to today. His immigration status is still not clear and as such the case has been postponed till 13 August. Gike has been remanded back into custody.
Third Brief Court Appearance – Jerry Ogbuwany Gike
From previous court appearance to this court appearance
Jerry Ogbuwane Gike appeared today for the 4th time and has been granted bail. He claimed that his application for a residence permit was pending since he made it in 2011. Bail was not opposed by the prosecution as Jerry had been living at the same address for years. The bail amount was set at R5000 and Gike was ordered to appear in court again on 8 October 2019
Bring Sandra Home: Specialised Victim Support Platform Launch
Incident until Specialised Victim Support platform activated
The Specialised Victim Support platform is launched in support of the Moonsamy family.
Brother, Inderan Naicker makes the following statement
“We are desperately appealing to the public to make use of this platform and to share any information that may assist our efforts to find Sandra and bring her home. If we are successful, it is our sincere hope that this app will play an integral role in ensuring the swift recovery of future victims, and even save lives.
Our family has been devastated by Sandra’s abduction, and I am committed to exploring every avenue and taking any measures necessary to ensure Sandra’s safety and wellbeing. It is our urgent hope that this development will speed up the process and provide some insight into her location.”
Fourth Brief Court Appearance – Jerry Ogbuwany Gike
From previous court appearance to this court appearance
Jerry Ogbuwany Gike, arrested in July, makes a brief appearance in the Durban Magistrate’s Court. He is currently out on R5000 bail. He has been ordered to appear in court again on December 2 on the charge of theft.
Sandra Moonsamy Recovered
From Incident to her recovery
Sandra Moonsamy has been recovered and is safe. More details to follow
Arrests – Four Suspects Arrested
Sandra Recovery to Suspects arrested
The Hawks have confirmed that Moonsamy was found alive during an intelligence-driven operation in Mamelodi‚ Tshwane. It is understood that four men have been arrested in connection with her disappearance.
