A Chinese businessman was allegedly kidnapped by his fellow countrymen in Harare, who ganged up with nine other suspects and demanded a US$120 000 ransom for his release.
The Chinese duo Guo Zairen (34) and Wang Gao (40) appeared before Harare magistrate Dennis Mangosi on Friday facing charges of kidnapping.
They are charged alongside Primrose Miga (34), Charles Matondo (46), Tonderai Naison Kaja (34), Charles Notice (34), Christopher Chirombe (34), O'brian Miti (31), Simbarashe Kumba (24), Carlington Konselia (28) and Oswel Tinotenda Tsikai (29).
Mangosi remanded them in custody to April 22. Prosecutor Anesu Chirenje opposed bail arguing that the suspects could flee the country.
According to court documents, on April 17 at around 3pm, the two Chinese nationals ganged up with the Zimbabweans and orchestrated a plan to kidnap Cheng Song.
The court documents did not mention why Song was targeted.
The suspects went to a Chinese restaurant in Harare’s Belgravia suburb in a white Toyota Fortuner which was being driven by Gao.
Song was at the restaurant having lunch with his friend, Tu Muqing.
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Their colleagues were following them in two other vehicles.
Gao, Zairen and their colleagues showed up at the restaurant and introduced themselves as police officers.
It is alleged that the suspects claimed that Cheng was under arrest, but did not notify him of his offence.
Chirenje alleged that the accused persons handcuffed the complainant and forced him into their vehicle and drove away, leaving Muqing behind.
The suspects took Cheng to House Number 1, Montenes Drive in Mandara.
Muqing phoned Cheng’s cousin Wang Yanan and informed him of the alleged arrest.
Cheng sent his Google maps location to Wang through a Chinese WeChat internet platform seeking assistance from her.
Cheng told her that the suspects were demanding a ransom of US$120 000 in cash to ensure his release without harm.
Yanan contacted Superintendent Victor Phiri to report the case.
Phiri informed CID Homicide Harare of the kidnapping and extortion case, and they swiftly reacted and waylaid the suspects at the given location leading to their arrest.
