Bail granted in high-profile LTT kidnapping case
LIMPOPO – Family, friends, businessmen and members of the Somalian congregation celebrated on Friday when Adulmani Mohammed (54) was granted bail by the Louis Trichardt Magistrate's Court.
Mohammed had been in custody since January 8, following his arrest in connection with the October 16, 2023 kidnapping of Louis Trichardt businessman Eddie Gouveia.
Gouveia was abducted by a group of men while closing his shop. He was eventually found safe at Nkuzana village on January 24 and reunited with his family.
A total of 12 suspects were arrested in the case. Throughout Mohammed's court appearances, large crowds gathered in his support.
Members of the Somalian community, including religious leaders, family, and fellow businesspeople, consistently filled the courtroom and picketed outside, demanding his release. During Friday's hearing, bishops handed over a memorandum to the court, pledging their full support and stressing that Mohammed was not a flight risk.
Mohammed was released on R10 000 bail, under strict conditions.
These include no contact with the victim, no interference with witnesses; weekly check-ins at the Mpumalanga Police Station between 06:00 and 20:00; and to surrender all travel documents and a prohibition on applying for new ones.
Police previously confirmed that Gouveia's captors demanded a R15m ransom during his abduction. Mohammed's case has been postponed to June 10, while the bail application for co-accused Khumbulani Nyathi was postponed to June 19.
Following the court's decision, supporters held an impromptu meeting outside the courtroom and successfully raised the bail money, bringing an end to Mohammed's five-month incarceration.
He was warmly received by his supporters upon release.
One family member, Roba Mohammed Sied, who had publicly stood by Mohammed since his arrest, expressed relief and solidarity.
'We've maintained all along that Mohammed is not guilty. We're not here to declare guilt or innocence – we're here to support him and ensure justice takes its course. We hope he adheres to the bail conditions so justice can prevail.'
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