Latest news with #AveleFumba
The Citizen
17-07-2025
- The Citizen
Hawks strike major blow in kidnapping of Pakistani national
The Pakistani businessman was rescued more than 776km from where he was kidnapped. The Gqeberha-based Serious Organised Crime Investigation team of the Hawks has successfully opposed bail for six suspects accused of kidnapping a 55-year-old Pakistani businessman. Two former police officers from the Western Cape were among the four people arrested when Gauteng police rescued the Pakistani businessman more than 776km from where he was kidnapped. The bail ruling, which was handed down this week in the Graaff-Reinet Magistrate's Court, has been welcomed. Bail Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Avele Fumba said during a closed court session, the Hawks presented a compelling argument against their release. 'The court sided with the State, denying bail and keeping the suspects in custody. The matter has been remanded to 4 August 2025 for further court proceedings. ALSO READ: Police rescue kidnapped Pakistani businessman in Evaton Kidnapping Fumba said the accused, comprising both South African and Pakistani nationals, are currently facing serious charges related to an alarming February abduction in Graaff-Reinet. 'According to initial reports, the victim was allegedly approached by individuals impersonating police officers. Under the false pretence of official business, they persuaded him to accompany them to a nearby station, and he never returned home. 'A multidisciplinary team, including the Hawks in the Eastern Cape, National Crime Intelligence, Soweto Flying Squad and private security partners, launched a high-priority operation,' Fumba said. Breakthrough Fumba added that the operation led to a breakthrough on 13 March 2025, when the Pakistani national was successfully rescued in Evaton in Gauteng, hundreds of kilometres from where he was kidnapped. 'Four suspects were arrested across various locations, and police seized a vehicle believed to have been used in the abduction, as well as an unlicensed firearm. 'Ongoing investigations later led to the arrest of two additional suspects, bringing the total number of accused to six,' Fumba said. ALSO READ: More than 2 600 wanted criminals linked to violent crimes arrested in South Africa
The Citizen
27-06-2025
- The Citizen
Police officer accused of corruption set to appear in court
An internal investigation flagged the officer of being involved in corrupt activities. A 46-year-old Eastern Cape police officer who allegedly demanded a bribe in order to make 'things easy' for a suspect is expected to make his first appearance in court. The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), also known as the Hawks, served a court summons on the officer on Thursday, charging him with corruption. Corruption Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Avele Fumba said the alleged corruption occurred when he was stationed at the Humewood Saps. Fumba said an internal investigation identified the officer as being involved in the incident. 'It is alleged that on 2 April 2024, the officer, acting in his capacity as an investigating officer, summoned a male suspect to the station regarding a reported assault case. ALSO READ: Crime Intelligence CFO, co-accused granted bail in burglary cover-up 'Upon the suspect's arrival, the officer allegedly solicited a gratification of R2 500 from the individual, promising that such payment would 'make things easy' and prevent his arrest. The suspect was thereafter allegedly released without any formal charge being laid,' Fumba said. Court Fumba said Ngeni's actions constitute a violation of Section 4(1)(a) of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act 12 of 2004 (PRECCA), which criminalises the acceptance of gratification by a public officer in exchange for performing or not performing an official act. He is expected to make his first court appearance at the Gqeberha District Court, New Law Courts, on 17 July 2025. The Provincial Head of the Hawks, Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya, reaffirmed the team's commitment to upholding the rule of law and eliminating unethical conduct within their ranks. 'Corruption has no place in the pursuit of justice, and internal accountability remains one of our foremost priorities,' said Ngwenya. Top cop arrested Meanwhile, the National Prosecuting Authority's Investigating Directorate (ID) has arrested Crime Intelligence boss, Major General Dumisani Khumalo, in connection with a corruption investigation involving R45 million in property deals. Khumalo, who heads Crime Intelligence within the South African Police Service (Saps), was arrested at OR Tambo International Airport on Thursday following an 'extensive' probe into the alleged unlawful purchase of two luxury properties. A boutique hotel in Pretoria North, worth R22.7 million, and a commercial building in Berea, Durban, valued at R22.8 million, were allegedly purchased without proper ministerial approval. NOW READ: Court halts Lungu's funeral in SA after challenge by Zambian government
The Citizen
13-06-2025
- The Citizen
Eastern Cape councillor arrested for role in businessman kidnapping
The councillor's accomplice, who allegedly carried out the kidnapping, remains in custody. An East London councillor has on Friday been released on R2 000 bail after she was arrested in connection with the kidnapping of a businessman in Dimbiza, Eastern Cape. The 27-year-old woman was arrested and charged for aiding the escape of a man who abducted the 42-year-old hardware store owner on 10 June. Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation's (Hawks) regional spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Avele Fumba said the 34-year-old man allegedly forcefully shoved the business owner into a car belonging to the owner before speeding off. Kidnapper intercepted The East London-based Serious Organised Crime Investigation kidnapping task team was alerted of the incident and attended to the matter, which the Hawks say was a shameless kidnapping act. 'The kidnapping task team of the Hawks, in collaboration with the East London Flying Squad and the Dog Unit (K9), acted swiftly to vital information received from alert community members; the team then followed the vehicle of interest,' Fumba said. ALSO READ: Kamogelo Baukudi: Missing teen needed for ID parade, case postponed 'In a well-coordinated tactical action, the team intercepted the vehicle and arrested the male suspect on the spot,' he added. Councillor linked to kidnapping Fumba said further investigations pointed to the involvement of the local councillor, who allegedly tried to help the suspect. 'Both accused appeared before the Dimbaza Magistrate's Court on 12 June 2025.' While the councillor was granted bail, the male suspect remains in custody and is expected to appear in court on 19 June for a formal bail application. Officers commended The provincial head of the Hawks, Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya, commended the collaborative effort and decisive action of the law enforcement officers. 'The arrest demonstrates the power of coordinated policing and critical role communities play in tackling serious crime,' Ngwenya said. ALSO READ: Mpumalanga ANC councillors granted bail in R500k corruption case
The Star
26-05-2025
- The Star
Hawks arrest man after kidnapping of R300,000 RAF payout recipient
The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, also known as the Hawks, arrested a 25-year-old man in connection with the kidnapping of a man who received a R300,000 Road Accident Fund (RAF) payout. The incident took place in Tsolo, on November 3, 2023, according to Eastern Cape Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Avele Fumba. Fumba said the victim was approached by two unidentified men in Tsolo, who allegedly posed as RAF-affiliated doctors offering medical assistance. 'Under this false pretense, the victim was reportedly kidnapped and transported over 800 kilometers to Klerksdorp in the North West province,' Fumba said. 'While held against his will, the victim's bank account was allegedly drained, with funds transferred to accounts linked to the suspects.' Fumba said the victim was later located and safely reunited with his family. He said a breakthrough came when the Hawks' Eastern Cape-based Kidnapping Task Team, working with their North West counterparts, tracked one of the suspects to Klerksdorp. 'The 25-year-old was apprehended and is currently being transported to the Eastern Cape, where he is expected to appear before the Tsolo Magistrate's Court on Monday, May 26, 2025,' Fumba said.
IOL News
24-05-2025
- IOL News
Hawks arrest man after kidnapping of R300,000 RAF payout recipient
The Hawks have arrested a 25-year-old suspect in connection to a kidnapping case after a Tsolo man was lured by suspects posing as doctors and held captive for his R300,000 RAF payout. The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, also known as the Hawks, arrested a 25-year-old man in connection with the kidnapping of a man who received a R300,000 Road Accident Fund (RAF) payout. The incident took place in Tsolo, on November 3, 2023, according to Eastern Cape Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Avele Fumba. Fumba said the victim was approached by two unidentified men in Tsolo, who allegedly posed as RAF-affiliated doctors offering medical assistance. 'Under this false pretense, the victim was reportedly kidnapped and transported over 800 kilometers to Klerksdorp in the North West province,' Fumba said. 'While held against his will, the victim's bank account was allegedly drained, with funds transferred to accounts linked to the suspects.'
