Authorities have arrested a fifth suspect in the ongoing investigation into a harrowing kidnapping, extortion, and murder case that unfolded in Cape Town last month, first reported by Cape {town} Etc.
According to the South African Police Service, the 43-year-old man was taken into custody on 9 June during a coordinated operation involving the Hawks, the Provincial Anti-Kidnapping Unit, and the Provincial Organised Crime Unit.
This latest arrest follows the abduction of a Kraaifontein man who vanished on 16 May after travelling to Bellville to view a vehicle listed for sale.
As previously reported, the victim was assaulted, held for ransom and tragically murdered. His body was later found buried in a shallow grave near the dunes between Monwabisi Beach and Macassar – a grim discovery led by one of the suspects already in custody.
Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Siyabulela Vukubi confirmed that during the ordeal, the victim managed to place a desperate call to a friend, revealing he had been kidnapped and was being assaulted. The abductors initially demanded R100 000 in ransom, later lowering the demand to R10 000. A payment of R5 000 was made before investigators stepped in.
The latest arrest builds on the earlier breakthrough in May, when four suspects aged between 29 and 42 were apprehended during an intelligence-led operation and subsequently appeared at the Kuilsriver Magistrates’ Court on 19 May.
Major General Makgato, Provincial Head of the Hawks, praised the sustained efforts of the investigative team.
The newly arrested suspect is expected to appear in the Blue Downs Magistrates’ Court today, 10 June, as investigations continue.
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