Teen denied bail in couple's kidnapping case
A teenager accused in the kidnapping of an elderly UK-born couple in northern KZN has been denied bail.
Nineteen-year-old Themba Xulu appeared alongside his co-accused, Sayfydeen del Vecchio and Fatima Patel in the Verulam Magistrate's Court earlier.
Cape Town-based botanists Rodney and Rachel Saunders disappeared on the 12th of February in Vryheid.
In court today - Magistrate Vallaraman Kathuravaloo said if Xulu were to be released on bail, there was a risk he could destroy evidence or try evade his trial.
"As the state, we firmly believe that the court's decision is in the interest of the proper administration of justice. Remember, the couple has not been found. There are still outstanding investigations. Therefore, the court's refusal to grant them bail is in the interest of justice," The NPA's Luvuyo Mfaku said.
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Mfaku says Del Vecchio and Patel - who are believed to have links to ISIS - are due to make a formal bail application next month.