EAST LONDON: Five individuals are set to appear in the East London Magistrates court on Friday, facing charges of kidnapping. The arrests were announced by the Hawks on Thursday, following a collaborative effort among several law enforcement units.

According to South African Government News Agency, the arrests were made by the East London Serious Organised Crime Investigation team of the Hawks, East London Flying Squad, Mdantsane Flying Squad, and Crime Intelligence. The suspects were apprehended on Wednesday after an investigation into the alleged kidnapping of a victim from his construction site on December 9, 2024.

The incident reportedly began when the victim and a business colleague were in a guard room, and an armed suspect entered, instructing them to lie down. While on the floor, the colleague observed two additional armed suspects who abducted the victim and transported him in a white SUV to an undisclosed location.

Later that day, the suspects allegedly contacted the family of the victim, demandi
ng a ransom. An intensive investigation led authorities to track and arrest the suspects at Scenary Park in East London. Further inquiries directed the team to Litha Township in King Williamstown, where the victim was allegedly held.

Upon arrival at the location, the team conducted a search and successfully rescued the victim, who was unharmed. A suspect found inside the house was apprehended, and a white Chevrolet Captiva SUV, believed to have been used in the kidnapping, was confiscated. The victim received medical treatment following the rescue.

Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya, the Provincial Head of the Hawks in the Eastern Cape, commended the officers for their exemplary teamwork in resolving the case.