EASTERN CAPE — A 36-year-old suspect has been arrested in connection with a kidnapping in Bizana, Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana confirmed.

The arrest followed a crime intelligence-led operation on Friday, 9 October 2026, conducted by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit in collaboration with Crime Intelligence and Mbizana Visible Policing.

The incident occurred on 25 September 2026, when a young man was allegedly kidnapped following a dispute over money. The victim’s mother later received a telephone call demanding a ransom for her son’s release.

Police intercepted and arrested an individual who had allegedly been sent to collect the ransom. The victim managed to escape while the alleged kidnappers were reportedly preoccupied with evading police.

The Hawks subsequently took over the case, pursuing further investigative leads and enlisting Crime Intelligence to trace those allegedly involved. At approximately 10:30 on 9 October 2026, the 36-year-old was located and arrested at Highland View in Bizana. His cellphone was seized for further examination.

The suspect is expected to appear on a charge of kidnapping before the Mbizana Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 12 October 2026.

Investigations are continuing as police work to trace other suspects allegedly implicated in the incident.

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