Five suspects, including Nelson Mandela’s grandson, were arrested after a hijacked Uber vehicle was recovered at Mandela’s historic Houghton residence in Sandton on Wednesday, January 8, 2025.
Four suspects appeared in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on Friday, January 10, facing charges of robbery with aggravating circumstances, kidnapping, and assault. Mandela’s grandson, whose identity remains undisclosed pending confirmation from SAPS, has not yet appeared.
According to police, the vehicle was hijacked in Benoni, with the suspects allegedly keeping the driver captive. The driver is reportedly preparing to file an official hijacking case at a police station in Ekurhuleni.
Prosecutor Tshepo Mahange kaMzizi requested a postponement to Friday, January 17, to allow for an identity parade and further investigations. He stated that although five individuals were arrested, only four are currently charged.
The suspects, represented by Legal Aid, objected to the postponement, citing their right to apply for bail. However, Magistrate Johan Herman ruled in favour of the State, remanding the case to next Friday. The court also prohibited the identification of the suspects, including their names and appearances, until their second court appearance.
The prosecution has indicated it will oppose bail, warning that the suspects could face 15 to 25 years in prison if found guilty.
Johannesburg Metro Police Department spokesperson Xolani Fihla directed queries about the grandson’s absence in court to SAPS and the National Prosecuting Authority.
