Law enforcement authorities comprising of Komani Serious Organised Crime Investigation of the Hawks, Aliwal North K9, Tactical Response Team (TRT), Komani Crime Intelligence (CI) and Aliwal North Hostage Negotiators has arrested three suspects aged between 26 and 35 on 14 April 2025 in connection with a kidnapping. The trio is scheduled to appear before Lady Grey Magistrate’s court and Engcobo on 16 April 2025 respectively, facing charges of kidnapping, robbery with aggravating circumstances, possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
According to reports, on Saturday, 12 April 2025, at approximately 19:30, a foreign national who is the victim was at his liquor outlet in Lady Grey when he was approached by five armed suspects posing as customers. The perpetrators allegedly pointed the victim with firearms demanding cash and forcibly accosted him into a white Volkswagen Polo Vivo to unknown place. During the incident, an undisclosed amount of money was reportedly taken from the shop. Later in the day, a ransom was allegedly demanded, therefore, the victim was released unharmed after a day of his abduction.
Subsequently, law-enforcement agencies were swiftly informed, which led to an intelligence driven operation, where the first suspect was arrested at Komani Central Business District (CBD) in possession of an undisclosed amount of cash and the aforesaid vehicle that was ostensibly involved in the said kidnapping. The joint-team further proceeded to a specific homestead at Engcobo. Upon arrival, the police found two suspects, whom were found in possession of two 9mm pistols with defaced serial numbers as well as ammunition.
The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) applauded the collaboration team efforts of all the law-enforcement agencies involved in the apprehension of the suspects.
