In a shocking development, the Laudium Sun has uncovered new evidence concerning the Kaytex kidnapping, wherein Fatima Ismail, was labelled as the ‘kingpin’ behind the kidnapping of her
husband Ashraf Kader (Baboo Kaytex).
As mentioned in our previous publication, Fatima was arrested by a specialised police unit for the kidnapping of her husband on Sunday, Dec 1. Four others were charged for kidnapping, extortion and assault of Baboo Kaytex, where an amount of R5m was demanded for his release. However Fatima was released on bail of R5000 a few days after her arrest and charges against Yusef Moola (Accused No 5) were soon thereafter withdrawn, despite a ransom amount of R113K being paid into his account. Both accused were represented in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court by local upcoming criminal lawyer, Muhammad Farouk Valjee. The three other accused, Belgium National (Congolese), Yann Koka, Khumo Digomo & Luyanda Sapo, were a week thereafter also released on bail of R10K each. Many Laudium Sun readers expressed surprise and disappointment that the accused were
released so soon after being arrested and more so for being released on such a low bail amount despite the serious charges against them and the fact that they were found by police in the same place near Mamelodi where Baboo was being held captive.
New developments
The Laudium Sun has learnt through a source that Baboo was seen with Fatima, during the week at a security estate in Centurion. Furthermore, we have been reliably informed that the family of Baboo have threatened him with violence for going back to Fatima, despite the serious criminal charges against her and have been threatening to remove him from the Kaytex business. The Laudium Sun also understands that a well known ‘crime fighter’ tried to solicit money from Baboo’s family at the time of his kidnapping and then tried to coerce Baboo after his release to get a body guard from him at a certain fee. Allegations have also been made that Baboo was forced by his family to sign a ‘Talaak’ (divorce) letter to Fatima, which Baboo has since revoked. The Laudium Sun contacted Fatima’s attorney to find out whether the allegations were true and whether Fatima was not breaking her bail conditions by getting back to living with Baboo. In response, Attorney Valjee confirmed to the Laudium Sun that Baboo and Fatima were together, but that his client, Fatima, did not break her bail conditions as she did not contact Baboo nor go to his home as per the bail conditions. Farouk added, “My client still remains living in her house and at no stage did she contact Mr Ashraf Kader (Baboo Kaytex). In fact it is the complainant (Baboo Kaytex) who decided of his own free will to visit my client [Fatima] and live at her address as he wishes to make their marriage work. My client has no intention of avoiding her trial and looks forward to proving her innocence in court.” Attorney, Farouk Valjee indicated to the Laudium Sun that he has reason to believe that there were certain people with hidden agendas who have been persuading the complainant (Baboo) to break his marriage with Fatima and that all this information would be revealed in court as to their motives. Farouk also indicated that the circumstances of the arrests and the involvement of non-police officers threatening, beating up and demanding money from certain of the suspects arrested will also be subject to scrutiny in court. Concerning the threats against Baboo by his family members and whether Baboo will testify against his wife Fatima, Farouk said, “I am aware of certain threats made to the complainant, but I do not wish to comment further on it as I do not represent the complainant. I cannot also talk on behalf of the complainant whether he would testify against his wife or not, this is a matter between him and the state,”
Attempts by the Laudium Sun to get hold of Baboo were unsuccessful, and we welcome Baboo to respond to this article as he certainly has a right to reply.
*At the time of her appearance in court, Fatima said that she cannot understand why she was charged for kidnapping her husband. Allegedly saying if money was the issue, she would have got a large sum of money as per a contract she had with her husband in the event of a divorce. A source told the Laudium Sun that Baboo is believed to have taken out a huge insurance policy to pay out for ransom, in the event of him or his family members being kidnapped.