Gqeberha police and Magama security have arrested two suspects, aged between 29 and 31, in connection with the kidnapping of a 73-year-old Kariega woman who was kidnapped on 11 August.
The team reportedly recovered an undisclosed amount of cash, two vehicles, and two firearms suspected to have been used in the kidnapping incident.
READ: Kidnapped woman (73) returned unharmed to her family
According to Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana, this was a collaborative effort between the Gqeberha-based Serious Organised Crime Investigation of the Hawks, Crime Intelligence, Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC), and Magama security.
Commenting on the incident, Mhlakuvana said it is alleged that the victim was exiting through the gate of her home while driving a motor vehicle when she was blocked by a Volkswagen Polo. Two unidentified armed suspects alighted from the vehicle, forced the victim into their car, and fled from the scene.
“On the same day, it is further alleged that a ransom demand was made by the suspects, and the matter was handed over to the Hawks for investigation,” he added.
He stated that an investigation ensued, and due to pressure exerted by a multi-disciplinary team, the victim was released on 16 August. She was found near the Kariega police station unharmed and reunited with her family.
Regarding the arrest of the suspects, he said an intelligence-driven operation was conducted, which led the team to the suspects’ homesteads in various precincts in Gqeberha. These locations were believed to be connected to those responsible for the kidnapping incident.
He noted that the perpetrators are due to appear before the Kariega Magistrate’s Court on 19 and 20 August 2025.
Provincial Head of the Hawks, Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya, lauded the investigating team for ensuring that the suspects are brought before the arms of the law.
