Mpumalanga task team rescues two, arrests three in Kabokweni kidnap plot

Mpumalanga police and a private security company acted on intelligence on Thursday to foil a kidnapping and carjacking in Kabokweni, rescuing two victims, arresting three suspects and recovering a hijacked vehicle.

Intelligence-led operation leads to Manyeveni arrest

Provincial Anti‑Hijacking Task Team members, working with a private security company, traced suspects linked to the Kabokweni incident to a house in Manyeveni. Upon searching the premises, officers arrested three suspects aged between 28 and 35 and found two victims who were safely rescued.

Allegations and evidence recovered

Preliminary investigations indicated the suspects allegedly kidnapped the two victims and forced the male victim to transfer approximately R86 000 from his bank account. The suspects had allegedly intended to extort a larger amount of money.

Police recovered the victims’ white Ford Ranger at a tavern in Malekutu. During the operation, officers also seized two prohibited firearms with ammunition and several cellular phones.

Charges and next steps

The suspects face charges including carjacking, kidnapping, robbery with aggravating circumstances, possession of prohibited firearms, and unlawful possession of ammunition.

“They remain in custody and are expected to appear in court soon.”

Official response

The Acting Provincial Commissioner of SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, praised members for their swift response and commitment to combating serious and violent crime.

The operation in Kabokweni is being handled by the Provincial Anti‑Hijacking Task Team as investigations continue.