JOHANNESBURG - Police are pursuing another suspect in the case of 37-year-old Ntombifuthi Rumo, who is accused of staging her own kidnapping to extort money from her cousin.
Rumo and an alleged accomplice have appeared in court, facing charges of fraud, defeating the ends of justice and staging a crime scene.
“A lot of resources were put into investigating the kidnapping of the accused persons, and for us now to discover and alert that this kidnapping was staged it is really concerning," said NPA spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana.
READ: KwaThema fake kidnapping case highlights cost of false reports
Rumo was reported missing on 7 October. A man later allegedly used her cellphone to demand R40,000 for her release.
Threatening messages followed, along with a video showing Rumo naked, injured and pleading with her mother for help.
During the search, community member Thomas Sibeko was arrested in connection with the alleged kidnapping. He maintains that the incident damaged his reputation and affected his family.
“This thing has dented my name because I see that these people were trying to take my name into the mud," Sibeko said.
READ: Woman accused of staging own kidnapping remains in custody
Rumo was found near KwaThema cemetery on 20 October, a day before a community prayer service planned for her safe return.
Community leaders say the case has caused distress, particularly amid ongoing concerns about the kidnapping and killing of women.
The matter returns to court on 28 October, when the second accused is expected to appear in person.
- eNCA's Bafedile Moerane reports.