Two men in court charged with taxi driver kidnapping

The taxi driver was allegedly kidnapped at about 2.30am.

Two men have appeared in Wellington District Court, charged with a number of offences in relation to the alleged kidnapping of a taxi driver.

The men, aged 24 and 23, one from Auckland and the other Wellington, and who have interim name suppression, were arrested on Thursday after allegedly carrying out offences on Tuesday and Wednesday in Wellington.

The taxi driver was allegedly kidnapped at about 2.30 on Wednesday morning, when he was parked on Jarden Mile in Ngauranga.

He was put in the boot of his taxi and released in the suburb of Grenada Village, two hours later, when he called police.

The men appeared in court on Friday, in a secure room rather than the main courtroom, after they became agitated in the cells.

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The 24-year-old, from Wellington, is charged with carrying an imitation firearm, intent to commit wounding, kidnapping and robbery of the victim's gold bracelets, wallet, cellphones, shopping and the cash machine from his taxi.

The 23-year-old, from Auckland, is charged with the same offences except the firearm charge.

The men were remanded in custody, to reappear on September 1.

Name suppression will lapse on Tuesday unless an application is made to the High Court. On Friday morning, police appealed for sightings of a white Toyota Probox, registration FLY984, linked to the kidnapping.

It is believed the Toyota travelled from Auckland to Wellington on Sunday.

Police also say they are seeking a third person in relation to the kidnapping.

- NZN