Five Nigerian men, a Nigerian woman and a South African man appeared in the Johannesburg magistrate's court yesterday after allegedly kidnapping a Japanese man and holding him for ransom.

Five Nigerian men, a Nigerian woman and a South African man appeared in the Johannesburg magistrate's court yesterday after allegedly kidnapping a Japanese man and holding him for ransom.

The seven were charged with two counts of robbery, two of kidnapping, extortion and indecent assault.

Magistrate Simon Radasi postponed the case to October 7 for some of the accused to find lawyers. All seven, aged between 28 and 34, will stay in custody.

They were arrested on Sunday morning after allegedly kidnapping a Japanese businessman who fell for the so-called 419 scam.

They allegedly lured Osamai Hitomi, 47, into the country by claiming that he would be part of an investment opportunity with a company called Jeffdon Properties.

When he arrived in the country on Friday he was kidnapped and taken to a house in Alberton. His family was contacted and a ransom of R40,9million was demanded. - Sapa