A suspect in the murder of state prosecutor Tracy Brown has been linked to the kidnapping case of a 73-year-old woman in Kariega.
Ayabulela Busakwe, 31, appeared in the Gqeberha magistrate’s court on Wednesday for his bail application in relation to the murder case.
Brown, 47, was shot in the driveway of her home in Loton Street, Young Park, at about 3pm on July 31 while still in her vehicle.
It is believed her assailants, four men wearing masks, had followed her from the New Brighton court in a VW Polo.
Busakwe is the second accused and had appeared alongside his co-accused, Sithembile Xungu, 33, who had briefly taken the stand on August 25. His matter was postponed to allowed him to get legal representation.
They are facing charges of murder, conspiracy to commit murder, unlawful possession of firearms and unlawful possession of ammunition.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson Luxolo Tyali said the case was postponed to September 10 for the formal bail application of Xungu.
He said Busakwe had abandoned his bail application.
Both accused remain in custody.
Tyali said Busakwe had been linked to the kidnapping case of Kariega resident, Theresa Minnie, 73.
He had appeared before the Kariega district court (formerly Uitenhage) on August 19.
“In that matter, he faces provisional charges of extortion and kidnapping relating to the abduction of a 73-year-old woman on August 11 2025,” Tyali said.
“He is charged alongside his co-accused, Andile Mathumbu, 29, who initially appeared on August 20 on the same charges.”
According to evidence presented in court in that matter, Tyali said the victim was abducted outside her home in Kariega by armed suspects, also driving a VW Polo.
“She was forced into the vehicle and a ransom demand of R1.1 million was later made,” he said.
“The victim was safely released on August 16 near the Kariega police station and has since been reunited with her family.”
Tyali said Busakwe and Mathumbu had abandoned their bail applications in this matter. The case has been postponed to October 22 for further investigation.
“The NPA commends the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies, which led to the safe recovery of the victim and the swift arrest of the suspects,” Tyali said.
The Herald
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