A joint operation by the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) Provincial Anti-Hijacking Task Team and a private local security company resulted in the rescue of two kidnapping victims, the arrest of three suspects, and the recovery of a hijacked vehicle on Thursday, June 4, 2026.
Acting on intelligence regarding a carjacking and kidnapping in the Kabokweni area, law enforcement traced the suspects to a residence in Manyeveni. During a search of the premises, officers safely rescued the two victims and arrested three suspects, aged between 28 and 35.
According to preliminary police investigations, the suspects kidnapped the victims and coerced the male victim into transferring approximately R86,000 from his bank account. Authorities stated that the suspects had allegedly intended to extort a larger sum of money.
During the multidisciplinary operation, police recovered the victims’ vehicle, a white Ford Ranger bakkie, at a tavern in Malekutu. Officers also seized two prohibited firearms with ammunition, along with several cellular phones.
The three suspects remain in police custody and are expected to appear in court soon. They face multiple charges, including carjacking, kidnapping, robbery with aggravating circumstances, possession of prohibited firearms, and unlawful possession of ammunition.
Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, the Acting Provincial Commissioner of SAPS in Mpumalanga, commended the task team and security personnel for their swift response and ongoing commitment to combating serious and violent crime in the province.
