EASTERN CAPE – A 43-year-old suspect is due to appear before the Mthatha Magistrate’s Court on Monday 21 September, facing charges of kidnapping and extortion.

He was apprehended in the early hours of 19 September by a joint team comprising the Mthatha Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit and the National Intervention Unit (NIU).

His co-accused — Mhlangano Manciya (51), Xolani Honithi (44) and Simzuzile Sitoyile (31) — were arrested by police in July 2025 and have remained in custody ever since. Their matter is at trial stage and has been postponed to 14 October.

How the kidnapping unfolded

The suspect has been linked to a kidnapping that reportedly took place at Zimbane in Mthatha on 9 July 2025.

According to the reports, four unidentified armed suspects allegedly stormed the homestead of a 48-year-old victim, impersonating police officers from the National Intervention Unit (NIU),” the Hawks said in a statement. “Under the false pretence of an arrest, they allegedly forcefully removed the victim from the premises and transported him to an unknown location.

“On the same evening, the victim’s family received a ransom demand for his release.”

Police were activated and a case docket was opened. A few days later, the victim reportedly escaped from captivity and was found unharmed at the homestead of a local chief in Qumbu.

Intelligence-driven operation leads to arrest

The Hawks said an intelligence-driven operation was subsequently launched, leading the multidisciplinary team to a targeted homestead. The suspect was found and apprehended on 19 September at the Ngolo Administration Area in Libode, Eastern Cape.

Intensive investigation by the Hawks confirmed his direct involvement and pivotal role in orchestrating both the kidnapping and the subsequent extortion attempt.

The suspect is due to appear before the Mthatha Magistrate’s Court on 21 September.

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