37-year-old man linked to Welkom pensioner’s alleged kidnapping, extortion to appear in court

A 37-year-old man accused of involvement in the alleged kidnapping and extortion of a 67-year-old pensioner is expected to appear at the Welkom Magistrate’s Court on Monday. The suspect is also linked to the alleged impersonation of a police official and is the second person arrested in the matter.

Arrest made in Botshabelo

The arrest followed a joint operation by the Free State Organised Crime Investigation Unit, the Mangaung Metro Operational Command Centre (DOCC) Crime Combating Unit and the Selosesha Crime Intelligence. Police said Crime Intelligence provided information on the suspects’ whereabouts on Friday, which led officers to J-Section in Botshabelo.

“The suspect was spotted and intercepted on his way to his residence. The suspect was subsequently arrested. During his arrest, he attempted to destroy his cellphone; however, police managed to derail him. Police confiscated a cellphone and SIM card for further investigation,” Sergeant Palesa Thabana said.

The alleged incident in Welkom

Police linked the arrest to an incident in Welkom on Friday, August 14, when a 67-year-old man was allegedly kidnapped and extorted out of R55,000. According to police, the victim met a female suspect who had promised to secure a mining job for the victim’s son. The meeting took place at a parking lot.

“On the day of the incident, the 67-year-old victim met with a female suspect who has since been arrested. The female suspect arranged the meeting after she promised to secure a mining job for the victim’s son. During the meeting held at a parking lot, two African males pretending to be police officials kidnapped the victim before they threatened him and extorted money from him,” Thabana said.

Investigation links suspect to victim and co-accused

Investigators said they established the whereabouts of one of the men during ongoing inquiries. Police allege the arrested man had telephonic contact with the victim before the meeting and had multiple contacts with the female suspect, linking him to the kidnapping, extortion and impersonation.

“Further, information also revealed that the male suspect had been in contact with the female suspect numerous times, linking him to the alleged kidnapping and extortion and ultimately the impersonation,” Thabana said.

Court appearances

The female suspect made her first court appearance on October 1. The arrested 37-year-old man faces charges that include impersonating a police official, kidnapping and extortion and is due to appear at the Welkom Magistrate’s Court on Monday.