The case began on 13 October 2024, when a distressed complainant reported that his girlfriend had been kidnapped. He allegedly received alarming images including video clips of her tied up, with her mouth sealed shut with tape. Soon after, a ransom demand followed.
The reports indicate that the complainant reached out to the victim’s sister, she confirmed receiving the same disturbing message from the same number.
The matter was escalated to the Hawks for a thorough probe. The Kidnapping Task Team swiftly launched a disruptive operation, the operation exposed a shocking twist. The so-called victim was allegedly in on the scheme.
Further investigations revealed that the victim had allegedly staged the entire kidnapping and apparently conspired with her accomplice to extract ransom money from her loved ones, with plans to split the funds.
Her arrest on 28 January 2025, marks a breakthrough in the case and she is set to appear before the East London Magistrate’s Court on 29 January 2025.
More arrests are imminent and the Hawks urge anyone with information about similar incidents to come forward. Identities of informants will be kept strictly confidential.
The Provincial Head of the Hawks Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya, issued a stern warning that “Wasting state resources on fabricated crimes will not be tolerated. Those who abuse the system for personal gain will face the full might of the law.”