No bail for alleged Mozambican kidnapping kingpin Esmael Nangy

Alleged Mozambican kidnapping kingpin Esmael Nangy was denied bail in the Thembisa magistrate's court on Thursday. 

Nangy was arrested on January 7 by SA authorities and Interpol after a request for his provisional arrest by Mozambique on charges of kidnapping and criminal association. Mozambican authorities also submitted a formal request for Nangy’s extradition on February 2 which prompted Nangy to submit a formal bail application pending the outcome of the extradition.

The National Prosecuting Authority’s spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said magistrate Karin Britz found that it was not in the interests of justice to grant Nangy bail.

During the bail application, the investigating officer, Sgt Kabelo Seanego, opposed his release on bail, citing that Nangy was a flight risk and the fact that, if convicted in Mozambique, he faces jail ranging from 16-20 years for kidnapping, and 8-12 years for criminal association, was incentive enough for him to evade his extradition hearing.