Off-duty police constable bound, blindfolded and robbed at Gqeberha guesthouse; released uninjured

An off-duty police constable was kidnapped, bound and blindfolded during a robbery at a guesthouse on Buckingham Road in Mount Croix, Gqeberha, on Monday night, but escaped the ordeal uninjured and has been released, police said.

What happened

Colonel Siphokazi Mawisa said three unidentified suspects targeted the guesthouse. The suspects searched rooms after failing to find cash, stole personal items and a television set, and seized the tenant’s property when they discovered he was a police officer.

“Three unidentified suspects targeted the guesthouse and stole personal items after failing to find cash.”

The suspects bound and blindfolded the officer and drove away with him in their vehicle. The officer was later released and is receiving professional support, the police said.

Police response and investigation

A dedicated investigative team has been assembled to locate the perpetrators and bring them to justice, the Eastern Cape police said.

“The circumstances surrounding the incident, including the motive, are currently being investigated.”

How the public can help

Police asked anyone with information to call the SAPS Crime Stop number at 08600 10111 or to visit their nearest police station.

This account is based on statements released by SAPS and reported by IOL.