Crime
Eastern Cape kidnapping suspect shot dead as Hawks arrest two
An intelligence-driven police operation in the Eastern Cape has ended with one suspected kidnapper shot dead and two others in custody, marking a significant breakthrough in a string of violent crimes that have left several communities on edge.
The operation, led by the Hawks Kidnapping Task Team alongside the East London Tactical Response Team, followed days of focused surveillance tied to a wave of kidnappings and armed robberies reported across Izele, Ndevana, Dimbaza, and Zwelitsha.
For residents in these areas, the arrests come after weeks of fear and unanswered questions, with kidnapping increasingly seen as one of the most disturbing crimes affecting everyday life in the province.
How the operation unfolded
According to Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana, investigators had identified a white Ford Fiesta believed to be central to the commission of the crimes. On 3 February 2026, detailed intelligence about the vehicle was circulated to police units to assist with tracing and interception.
The following day, officers located the car in King William’s Town, travelling towards Ginsberg, with three occupants inside. When police moved in and carried out a lawful intervention, the suspects got out of the vehicle.
What followed escalated rapidly.
Shootout leaves one suspect dead
During the engagement, one of the suspects allegedly opened fire on the officers. Police returned fire, fatally wounding the suspect, who was declared dead at the scene. Two other suspects, aged between 27 and 29, were arrested without further injuries to police or members of the public.
A subsequent search uncovered three unlicensed firearms, eight mobile phones, several SIM cards, and the vehicle itself. Investigators later confirmed that the suspects were directly linked to the kidnapping cases reported in the affected areas.
Court appearance expected
The two arrested men are expected to appear in the Qonce Magistrate’s Court on 6 February 2026. They face charges related to kidnapping and robbery with a firearm.
The Provincial Head of the Hawks, Major General Obed Ngwenya, has praised the team involved, reiterating that kidnapping and violent organised crime remain priority offences. He has assured communities that those responsible will continue to be pursued and brought before the courts.
Why this case matters
Kidnapping has become one of the most feared crimes in South Africa, often linked to organised networks rather than isolated incidents. The recovery of multiple phones and SIM cards in this case points to the level of coordination behind these operations.
On social media, news of the arrests has been met with a mix of relief and renewed calls for tougher action against organised crime syndicates. Many residents have welcomed the visible police response, while others are urging authorities to maintain pressure and ensure successful prosecutions.
Investigations into the broader network connected to these crimes are continuing.
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Source: The Citizen
Featured Image: Daily Dispatch
