A Mink Street family is furious after a family member was arrested, on what the family describes as ‘false charges.’
The family said that they are highly traumatised after the 22 year old boy of the Ayob family was arrested and forcefully taken by a number of police detectives from the Pretoria West Police station, this past Monday (Sept 23) early evening at around 5pm. The family even released a video believed to be taken by one of them at the time of the arrest, showing police pushing the family member into their car, with family members screaming at the police demanding to know why their ‘brother’ was being arrested and even asking for the names of the police officers. The family claims that the arrest of 22-year-old Abdulla Ayob (son of Imraan Ayob) who has been accused of kidnapping, was innocent and that he is in jail for a crime he didn’t do. Sister of the accused Saleema Ayob (24) told the Laudium Sun in the presence of her sister Sadiya (31) that on Monday evening just after 5pm, “Four police officers arrived at our home and forcibly arrested my brother, Abdullah Ayob, without showing us a warrant for his arrest. The police told us that they were taking him to the Pretoria West Police station. The police said that my brother was involved in a kidnaping matter and that a witness could identify him, but we believe this is not true. We are all very traumatized by the way the police dragged my brother into their car. He is not a criminal, why did they have to treat him so badly? All we know is that our brother is innocent and he didn’t commit the crime that the police say he did.”
When asked for comment by the Laudium Sun, Abdullah’s mother, Sumaiya Ayob, issued a statement on Wednesday (Sept 25), stating, “The Ayob family on Mink Street has found themselves at the center of a distressing saga that rivals any television drama. They have been plagued by a series of mysterious individuals appearing at their home, making outrageous criminal allegations at various police stations. These claims range from physical and sexual abuse to racketeering, theft, and even kidnapping.
These unfounded accusations have not only disrupted the family’s life but have also misused law enforcement resources. In one alarming incident, the flying squad was dispatched from Benoni and other parts of Gauteng after receiving reports of illegal cigarette trafficking, only to discover that the claims were entirely fraudulent.
Understandably, the officers involved were frustrated upon realizing they had acted on false information.
Despite the family’s efforts to clear their name through the tedious legal process, they continue to face challenges. This week, one of their children was wrongfully arrested based on these spurious allegations, adding to their mounting frustration as legal proceedings are hindered by the involved state entities. The situation has escalated to a national level, with authorities now working to identify and prosecute those responsible for these malicious acts, believed to be from the local community.
If you or someone you know has experienced similar harassment, we encourage you to reach out. Your information could be crucial in bringing these perpetrators to justice. Please note that the matter is currently sub judice, limiting what can be discussed publicly. However, rest assured that the Laudium Sun will keep you updated as the situation develops and once charges are filed against the individuals involved.”
Abdullah appeared at the Pretoria Magistrates Court, this past Wednesday, 2 days after his arrest but was denied bail. The case for bail application was postponed for 7 days. Pretoria West police spokesperson Constable Sibongile Vuma told the Laudium Sun, “The suspect was arrested on September 23 and was charged with kidnapping. A 22-year-old woman a former employee at the suspect’s place also opened a case of rape at the Laudium Police station which is being investigated. The kidnapping case was opened at the Pretoria West Police station that is why he was arrested by the police from Pretoria West.”
*According to a family member, an ongoing family feud has led to trumped up charges against Abdullah. Presently, there is an assault case running in court, which was opened by Abdulla’s sister Sadiya, against her estranged husband.
