Kidnappers get 25 years each after nightclub abduction
Two men who hijacked and kidnapped a nightclub patron in Cato Manor before demanding a ransom from his loved ones have been sentenced to a combined 64 years in prison, with 25 years to be served directly.
Olwethu Malakalaka, 33, and Andile Tubeni, 50, were convicted in the Durban Regional Court on Thursday, 11 September 2025, of armed robbery, kidnapping, attempted murder, and the possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
According to Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Simphiwe Mhlongo, the victim, also 33, was abducted outside a nightclub on 11 June 2023. His vehicle was later found abandoned in Berea.
“A case of hijacking and kidnapping was reported at Cato Manor police station and was allocated to the Hawks’ Durban Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit,” Mhlongo said.
He revealed that the accused demanded a ransom of R50,000 from the victim’s girlfriend and colleagues. “An amount of R5,000 was withdrawn from the victim’s bank account,” he added.
The joint operation to apprehend the suspects was launched on 16 June 2023.
Malakalaka and Tubeni were intercepted while driving on the M25 towards Inanda. One suspect attempted to flee and opened fire on police, who returned fire, fatally wounding him. The victim was rescued and taken to hospital for medical examination.
Each accused was sentenced as follows:
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15 years for armed robbery with aggravating circumstances;
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15 years for kidnapping;
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2 years for attempted murder;
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15 years for possession of an unlicensed firearm;
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1 year for unlawful possession of ammunition;
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A further 15 years and 1 year, respectively, for a second count of firearm and ammunition possession.
The court ordered that the sentences for attempted murder, firearm and ammunition possession, and part of the kidnapping sentence run concurrently, resulting in 25 years of direct imprisonment for each man.
KwaZulu-Natal Hawks provincial head, Major General Lesetja Senona, welcomed the sentence and praised the investigating officers for their dedication.
IOL NEWS