News Desk Reporter
A kidnapping and armed robbery case in Qonce has ended with the safe rescue of the victim and the arrest of three suspects following a swift intelligence-driven Hawks operation. The matter was postponed in court, and the suspects are expected to reappear before the KuGompo Magistrate’s Court.
Three suspects, aged between 28 and 41, were arrested on 13 June 2026. They face charges of kidnapping, armed robbery and housebreaking.
Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana, speaking for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), confirmed the arrests.
“The operation followed a breakthrough by the KuGompo Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit, working with Provincial Crime Intelligence,” he said.
He said the arrests followed an investigation into a kidnapping, armed robbery and housebreaking case in Phakamisa, Qonce.
“The case involved a brazen kidnapping, armed robbery and housebreaking incident linked to organised violent crime,” he said.
He said the coordinated operation led to the rescue of the victim and the disruption of a criminal group.
“The arrests were made as a result of a coordinated intelligence-driven operation. This led to the rescue of the victim and the disruption of a criminal group,” he said.
It is alleged that on Friday, heavily armed suspects forced entry into the victim’s home in Phakamisa and broke down access points to the property.
“The suspects allegedly abducted the victim, seized his bank card and transported him to an undisclosed location where he was unlawfully detained,” he said.
He said the suspects later used the victim’s bank card while he was being held captive.
A case was opened, and an intensive investigation began.
“Law enforcement received information that triggered a manhunt,” he said.
He said investigators used strategic intelligence gathering and coordinated operational efforts to trace the suspects.
“The suspects were allegedly observed conducting transactions using the victim’s bank card,” he said.
The intelligence-led team moved to Hemingway’s Mall in KuGompo City, where preliminary investigations show that about R21 650 was spent at various retail outlets.
Operational members intercepted the suspects as they exited one of the stores.
“The victim’s bank card was recovered in their possession, along with clothing believed to have been purchased using funds unlawfully obtained from the victim’s account,” he said.
The victim was rescued unharmed and reunited with his family.
“The operation showed the value of intelligence-driven policing and effective collaboration among law enforcement agencies,” he said.
“We remain resolute in our efforts to combat violent crime and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice,” he added.