A South African couple is due in Regional Court B of the Bulawayo Magistrates Court today, facing charges of kidnapping related to an incident that occurred late last year.
Maria Magdalena Marida Van Der Spuy and her husband, Troy, allegedly blocked a vehicle occupied by two of Marida’s former colleagues from leaving a private residence in Bulawayo’s Hillside suburb. The couple then allegedly violently ordered one of the occupants to leave the vehicle, demanding an audience with him for unknown reasons.
The situation escalated when the duo reportedly prowled around the vehicle, prompting the four occupants to seek refuge in a nearby yard for over an hour. During this time, the couple allegedly took pictures of the house while making phone calls to unknown individuals.
Marida Van Der Spuy’s dismissal from her previous job under acrimonious circumstances heightened the victims’ fear, and they contacted their employers and the police, fearing harm. It was also noted that Marida had been receiving treatment for a mental condition, while her husband is known to display erratic tendencies due to his autism, further alarming the victims.
Under Zimbabwean law, denying adults the freedom to move unhindered constitutes a crime, and the couple has since been reported to authorities.
The couple, whose legal status in Zimbabwe is yet to be clarified, is set to appear in court today to answer to the charges.
