MBABANE – Mbabane businessman Celucolo Manchester Nxumalo, who is accused of kidnapping Mncedisi Matsebula, has been charged with five counts.
He appeared at Mbabane Magistrates Court yesterday. In the first count, Nxumalo (43) is alleged to have kidnapped Matsebula while at Mnyamatsini and detained him at Ekudzeni for three hours. The incident allegedly occurred on January 3.
During the kidnapping, it is further alleged that Nxumalo forcefully pushed Matsebula onto a tarmac twice, resulting in a charge of common assault. It is also claimed that during the unlawful detention of the dentist, Nxumalo demanded a sum of E15 000. When the purported demand was made, Nxumalo allegedly threatened to torture and not release Matsebula unless he paid him the amount of E15 000. This culminated in the charge of extortion.
The businessman is additionally accused of assaulting Matsebula with open hands, fists and a stick, with intent to cause him hurt and injuries. Nxumalo’s reported actions have been reduced to a charge of assault with intent to cause grievous harm.
Furthermore, he is accused of having manhandled Mtsamaya Manambitsa Dlamini, by grabbing him with his clothing near Baha’i. This led to a charge of common assault.
Through his Lawyer, Sabelo Mngometulu of Mngometulu Attorneys, he applied for bail.
In support of his application, Nxumalo submitted that he is a Swati businessman operating between Mbabane and Manzini. He stated that he is the head of his household with his family dependent on him and argued that his continued incarceration prejudices his family.
Nxumalo also informed the court that he surrendered himself to the police upon being alerted that he was wanted, which he claimed demonstrated that he is not a flight risk.
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