Sandra Munsamy trial: Court hears how intel led to rescue in 162-day ordeal

Four men are on trial, accused of involvement in the Durban businesswoman's abduction in 2019.

Munsamy was rescued after six months from a house in Emalahleni in Mpumalanga province. 

READ: Sandra Munsamy's brother tells court abductors didn't budge from $10m ransom

Brigadier Gopal Govender, who is the National Coordinator for Kidnapping and Ransom cases at the Hawks, told the court on Tuesday that they received intelligence information from a source in Gauteng that the group responsible for abducting Munsamy was a kidnapping syndicate.

Govender told the court that he was given details on the suspect's physical appearance and vehicles, amongst other information, and a technical surveillance team was set up to track and monitor them. 

ALSO READ: Businesswoman Sandra Munsamy targeted to fund 'kidnappers' luxury lifestyle, court hears

He says the vehicles were located at a mall two days later, and two men, matching the description they were given, were found at a local gym.

He says the team waited in the parking lot of the mall, and a takedown operation was conducted.

Govender then pointed out accused three and four, Jose Tembe and Arthur Da Silva Mondlane, as the suspects they arrested on the day.

He says he searched Tembe and found a phone in his pocket that was switched off. 

NOW READ: Sandra Munsamy details day of abduction in emotional testimony

Govender says when he switched the phone on and went into the messaging app Whatsapp, he found detailed communication between Munsamy's brother and the suspect about the ransom.