Engcobo: A fourth 38-year-old suspect, linked to a kidnapping incident that occurred in Engcobo, has been apprehended by the Mthatha Hawk’s Serious Organised Crime Investigation, in collaboration with Durban Serious Organised Crime Investigation and Umlazi Visible Policing, on 20 February 2025.

According to South African Police Service, his co-accused Ntsika Tyali (38), Mpumelelo Nyosi (41), and Akhona Unathi Deyi (51) were arrested in July 2024 and February 2025, respectively. The trio has been in custody since their arrests.

It is alleged that on 06 June 2024, two victims were reportedly accosted by unidentified armed suspects who barged into their residence in Engcobo. The suspects allegedly pointed firearms at the victims, forced them into an unknown vehicle, and took them to an unknown location. Later that day, a ransom was demanded by the suspects.

During the incident, the suspects reportedly took the victims’ bank cards and PIN numbers, withdrawing cash in tranches and purchasing expensive clothing from retail shops. Reports revealed the victims suffered a financial loss exceeding R1.5 million. Due to pressure from the Hawks, the victims were released a few days later, and the matter was referred to the Hawks for investigation.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the accused divided the cash among themselves. A detailed investigation by the joint team led to the apprehension of the suspect in Umlazi, Durban, where he was hiding. A thorough investigation linked the suspect to the kidnapping incident.

The suspect is currently in transit and is expected to appear before the Engcobo Magistrates Court on 24 February 2025.