Five suspects, including the grandson of former South African president, Nelson Mandela, were arrested following the recovery of a hijacked Uber vehicle at Mandela’s historic Houghton residence in Sandton.
The suspects were arrested on Wednesday, January 8, 2025.
Four of the suspects, excluding Mandela’s grandson, appeared before the Johannesburg Magistrate’s court on Friday, January 10.
The grandson, who is known to Independent Media but remains unnamed pending confirmation from the South African Police Service (SAPS), is embroiled in a case that raises concerns not only about the safety of citizens but the alarming state of a once-illustrious family home.
According to police reports, the hijacked vehicle was taken Friday night in Benoni, with the suspects believed to have driven around while still possessing the vehicle’s driver.
Details regarding the driver’s fate remain unclear, although it has been reported that he is currently at a police station in Ekurhuleni, preparing to file an official hijacking case.
The four suspects face charges of robbery with aggravating circumstance, kidnapping, and assault.
The charges relate to the robbery and assault of an Uber driver earlier this week, the court heard.
Prosecutor Mahange kaMzizi asked the court to postpone the matter to next Friday, January 17, for an identity parade to be held over the weekend and further investigations.
