Ntombifuthi Mavis Rumo, 37, appeared in the Kwa-Thema Magistrates’ Court on Thursday following her arrest for allegedly staging her own kidnapping in an attempt to extort money from her cousin.
Rumo’s case was postponed to 29 October 2026, when she is expected to apply for bail.
Her alleged accomplice, 27-year-old Bonginkosi Mndebele, did not appear in court because he is reportedly still in hospital.
Police previously said investigations revealed that Rumo allegedly conspired with her accomplice to stage the kidnapping and demand R40,000 from her cousin.
The matter was initially reported to police on 8 October after a family member received a ransom demand. Rumo was found alive on 10 October along Vlakfontein Road, reportedly with injuries to her hands, and was taken to hospital for treatment.
The pair face allegations including extortion, defeating the ends of justice and staging a crime scene. The allegations have not been proven in court.
Gauteng police have warned that staging criminal incidents and making false reports can divert critical resources away from genuine emergencies. (SABC News)
