Iran Mathonsi was remanded in custody for her role in the alleged kidnapping of a 17-year-old girl.
Iran Mathonsi: Investigations reveal how she allegedly kidnapped a teen girl
Mathonsi appeared in court on Thursday, 17 August 2023, two days after she was arrested by the provincial Crime Intelligence Unit and Gauteng Highway patrol officers.
In a statement, police spokesperson Colonel Adele Myburgh revealed Mathonsi’s apprehension was a result of a covert operation to trace a silver Ford Figo linked to the abduction of a 17-year-old girl.
According to reports, the teenage girl, whose identity remains unknown, was forced into the boot of a Ford Figo against her will in Marikana on Sunday, 13 August 2023.
Police are still mum about details of the kidnapping incident. However, Col Myburgh confirmed that trace operations linking Mathonsi to the abduction were launched soon after kidnappers made ransom demands to the teen’s family.
To set up the 43-year-old woman’s capture, the teen’s family paid the undisclosed ransom fee. Following the 17-year-old girl’s release from capture, a coordinated operation was launched and on Tuesday, 15 August 2023, Mathonsi was targeted in a take-down operation.
Mathonsi’s first court appearance on Thursday, 17 August 2023, was brief. The 43-year-old is due back in court on Thursday, 24 August 2023, where state prosecutors are expected to make announcements on the progress made to apprehend the woman’s accomplices.
Mathonsi’s arrest was applauded by North West Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, who commended the swift response and subsequent court appearance of the accused.
“He reminded all women to be wise and choose safety above situations that can cause them harm and that police will continue the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV),” Col Myburgh said.