Randburg loan shark Busisiwe Dladla (47) has been convicted of murder after orchestrating the kidnapping, torture, and extortion of a client who failed to repay a loan, in a case that has shocked Gauteng.

The Gauteng Division of the High Court in Johannesburg on Wednesday found Dladla guilty of murdering Mzwandile Konki, as well as two counts of kidnapping, torture, extortion, and money laundering.

Court proceedings revealed that Dladla lent Konki R15,000, charging interest. When he failed to repay, she allegedly arranged his kidnapping on 5 September 2022. He was later released but was abducted again on 9 September 2022.

During the second abduction, Konki was taken to Dladla’s Randburg residence, detained, and tortured while his family was threatened and pressured to pay money for his release. Four unidentified men, believed to have been hired by Dladla, carried out the assaults. Konki succumbed to his injuries the following day, 10 September 2022.

Investigators led by Sgt Molupe also uncovered that extorted funds were deposited into the bank account of Dladla’s daughter and co-accused, Sinethemba Dladla (25), and later transferred to her younger sister, Cebisile Dladla (41), in an effort to conceal the proceeds of crime. Both women were convicted of money laundering.

During her testimony, Dladla denied knowing the assailants, but State advocate Colleen Ryan presented WhatsApp messages linking her directly to the perpetrators. The court rejected her account as inconsistent and unsupported by evidence.

Sentencing has been postponed to 15 April 2026. Dladla remains in custody, while her co-accused are out on bail pending sentencing.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomed the conviction, saying it sends a clear warning against violent crime and illegal lending.

“This case demonstrates our commitment to holding those who exploit vulnerable people accountable, regardless of the methods they use to evade justice,” said NPA regional spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane.