Four suspects aged between 29 and 42 have been arrested in connection with a chilling case of kidnapping, extortion, and murder in Kraaifontein, reports Cape {town} Etc.
The arrests were made on Saturday as part of a Multi-Disciplinary Intelligence-led operation involving the Hawks, the Provincial Anti-Kidnapping Unit, and Hostage Negotiation teams.
This breakthrough follows the reported kidnapping of a victim who had ventured to Bellville to view a vehicle for purchase.
According to Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Siyabulela Vukubi, the victim’s journey took a distressing turn when he was abducted and subsequently assaulted by his captors.
‘Prior to the abduction, the victim was last seen by a friend who became concerned when the victim failed to return home.
‘Alarmingly, the victim managed to make a call to another friend, revealing that he had been kidnapped and was enduring physical abuse,’ Vukubi said.
As the plot thickened, the suspects contacted the victim’s friends, demanding a ransom of R100,000 for his release. In a desperate bid to secure his freedom, the ransom amount was later lowered to R10,000.
Despite the circumstances, a small amount of R5,000 was transferred into a bank account provided by the suspects, yet the threats continued as they insisted on receiving the remainder of the ransom.
Utilising every lead at their disposal, the investigative team tracked the suspects to locations in Philippi and Kleinvlei. The culmination of their tireless efforts was the arrest of the four individuals believed to be involved in this heinous crime.
‘Additionally, the investigation took a grim turn when the team discovered a shallow grave in an open field on the sand dunes between Monwabisi beach and Macassar. One of the suspects guided them to the site where the victim had been brutally murdered and buried,’ Vukubi said.
The Hawks’ Provincial Head Major General Makgato has commended the team for their meticulous investigation, which uncovered the full extent of this tragic case.
‘We will leave no stone unturned to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice,’ he stated emphatically.
All four suspects are set to appear at Kuilsriver Magistrates Court on 19 May 2025, as the law enforcement agencies work in tandem to secure justice for the victim and his grieving loved ones.
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Picture: @SAPoliceService / X