Suspects aged between 32 and 50 to appear before East London Magistrates Court on 13 December 2024 facing allegations of kidnapping. The quintet was arrested in a joint effort by the East London Serious Organised Crime Investigation team of the Hawks, East London Flying Squad, Mdantsane Flying Squad and Crime Intelligence on 11 December 2024.
The arrest came after it was alleged that on 9 December 2024, at about 15:30, the victim was at his construction site conducting inspection. The victim and his business colleague were in the guard room, when an unknown suspect wearing a face mask carrying a firearm entered the aforesaid guard room and instructed both of them to lie down. Further reports indicated that whilst lying on the floor, his colleague noticed two more suspects also wearing face masks armed with firearms, who snatched the victim from the floor and accosted him to a white SUV that was parked outside which then drove off with him to an unknown location. Later on the day, the suspects reportedly contacted the victim’s family demanding a ransom.
Through intensive investigation by the joint team, the suspects were traced and arrested at Scenary Park in East London. Further investigations led the team to Litha Township in King Williamstown, where the victim was allegedly kept. On their arrival, the team searched the house and the victim was found inside where he was rescued unharmed on 11 December 2024. One suspect was inside the house and was apprehended on the spot. Search continued and a white Chevrolet Captiva SUV was confiscated as it was allegedly used to transport the victim. The victim was taken to hospital for medical treatment.
All five suspects were arrested and are expected to appear before East London Magistrate’s Court on 13 December 2024.
The Provincial Head of the Hawks Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya expressed his delight for the exceptional teamwork and dedication that never ceased to amaze. General Ngwenya further expressed his appreciation to the joint team for apprehending the suspects within a period of less than 48 hours.
