Law enforcement officer arrested for kidnapping, extortion and murder

The Hawks arrested a law enforcement officer on Monday morning. The 43-year-old suspect faces charges of Kidnapping, Extortion and Murder.

PICTURE: Pixabay

The officer’s arrest follows after a victim was allegedly kidnapped in Kraaifontein, in May.

‘’The victim was last seen by a friend who reported that the victim(friend) went to Bellville to view a vehicle he intended to purchase and never came back. Instead another friend of the victim received a call from the victim reporting that he had been kidnapped and being assaulted,’’ said Lieutenant Colonel Siyabulela Vukubi, Hawks spokesperson in the western Cape.

‘’Simultaneously, a ransom of R100,000 for the victim’s release was demanded by the suspects. Further phone calls were made by the suspects whereby the ransom was reduced to R10 000. The suspects subsequently provided a bank account where the money should be deposited into. It was alleged that an amount of R5 000 was deposited to that bank account and the suspects continued to demand the balance,’’ he added.

Vukubi explained that on 17 May 2025, the Hawks followed all the leads that led them to addresses in Philippi and Kleinvlei which resulted in the arrest of the four accused, Mogamat Samuels(33), Thokozani Kamnjunga(36), Existing Mudivari(33) and Yasseen Jele(30) who have already made a court appearance.

‘’The team was led to an open field on the dunes between Monwabisi beach and Macassar, where one of the accused pointed out a shallow grave where the victim was killed and buried. Upon further probe, it transpired that the City of Cape Town Law Enforcement vehicle, which was driven by the suspect, was utilized in the commission of this heinous crime,’’ said Vukubi.

The City of Cape Town said the officer is stationed at the Anti-Land Invasion Unit.

Spokesperson Wayne Dyason described the arrest as disappointing.

‘’ When approached for assistance, our teams worked diligently to aid the Hawks’ investigation. We will continue to cooperate with SAPS to ensure a swift conclusion to the investigation and prosecution. While the arrest of the officer is disappointing, the Safety and Security Directorate is committed to rooting out corrupt and criminal elements and will not hesitate to investigate and take the required action when wrongdoing is uncovered. This matter is also being dealt with in terms of City policies and processes, and a disciplinary process is underway.’’

In an unrelated matter, Dyason also confirmed that two Law Enforcement officers attached to the Metal Theft Unit who were arrested on charges of kidnapping in May, has been suspended. He says disciplinary hearings will be held shortly.

The suspect will make first appearance at the Bluedowns Magistrates Court on 10 June 2025, where after he will be joining his co- accused who will appear on 12 June 2025 in the same court for bail application.

The Provincial Head of the Hawks, Major General Makgato said that we remain committed to root out any form of criminality even within the ranks of the  Law Enforcement agencies, if they find themselves on the wrong side of the law.

 

Done by: Mitchum George