Latest news with #InterimKidnappingTaskTeam
The South African
07-05-2025
- The South African
Manhunt for suspects who allegedly robbed church members
The SAPS in Gqeberha is on a search for suspects who allegedly robbed church members in Greenfields, Booysens Park on Monday, 5 May 2025. According to a police statement, five armed and masked men stormed into the church and robbed approximately 50 members of their cellphones and other valuable items. 'The suspects fled in the church priest's white Toyota RAV4, which was later found abandoned in Chatty 5, Chatty,' said SAPS. The priest's vehicle has been taken for forensic analysis. The police urge anyone with information to come forward by contacting Detective Constable Enrique Louw at 071 570 0628 (SAPS Chatty) or Crime Stop anonymously at 08600 10111. Eastern Cape SAPS have arrested a suspect linked to the kidnapping case of a 32-year-old man who was allegedly abducted on Monday, 5 May 2025. According to a police statement, the victim was reportedly approached, stabbed and forcefully placed in the boot of the suspect's vehicle. Additionally, the victim's vehicle was hijacked, which was later found burnt to ashes at Bisho off-ramp near N2 road. 'The victim was held hostage for a few days, as his cellphone, bank card, and PIN numbers were demanded by the suspects,' according to a SAPS statement. According to police investigations, the perpetrators allegedly withdrew the victim's cash. An intensive investigation located the victim at a homestead in Schonville. 'Through cohesive work between the Interim Kidnapping Task Team of the Hawks and the community resulted in a 23-year-old suspect who was positively linked with said kidnapping incident being arrested,' the statement read. The suspect is expected to make their court appearance before the Qonce Magistrate's court on Wednesday, 7 May 2025. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
07-05-2025
- The Citizen
Woman linked to kidnapping of East London man to appear in court
The 32-year-old man who runs a business in Chislehurst went missing during a car show on April 5. A 23-year-old Schornville woman linked to the kidnapping of an East London businessman who escaped captivity in April is expected to make her appearance in the Qonce Magistrate's court on Wednesday. The 32-year-old man who runs a business in Chislehurst went missing during a car show on April 5. Breakthrough Police spokesperson warrant-officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana said officers made a breakthrough and arrested the woman this week. 'The suspect is expected to appear before the Qonce Magistrate's court on 7 May 2025. The Hawks anticipate more arrests as the investigation is still ongoing.' Mhlakuvana said the man suffered a grim ordeal. 'During the aforesaid incident, apparently, the victim was accosted, stabbed, and forcefully taken into the boot of the suspect's vehicle. Thereafter, it was divulged that the victim's Volkswagen Golf 7 GTi was also hijacked, which was later recovered abandoned and burnt to ashes at Bisho off-ramp near N2 road.' ALSO READ: Four arrested in connection with missing journalist Aserie Ndlovu and partner Rescue Mhlakuvana said the victim was held hostage a few days with the kidnappers demanding his mobile phone, bank card, and PIN numbers. He said the matter was then handed over to the Hawks for investigation. 'An investigation ensued, which established that the perpetrators ostensibly withdrew the victim's cash. An intelligence-driven investigation led to a particular homestead where the victim was kept in Schornville location. 'Through cohesive work between the Interim Kidnapping Task Team of the Hawks and the community, a 23-year-old suspect who was positively linked with said kidnapping incident was arrested. Furthermore, the suspect presumably has orchestrated and played a major role in the abovementioned incident,' Mhlakuvana said. Questions The man was reunited with his family, who welcomed his rescue, sharing photos and videos on social media. However, they have raised questions about his kidnapping ordeal as police investigations continue into the incident, which gripped the small East London community. ALSO READ: American missionary kidnapped in Gqeberha rescued, three suspects dead
