A violent armed robbery and kidnapping at a family store in Whittlesea has led to the arrest of five suspects aged between 19 and 50, who appeared before the Whittlesea Magistrate’s Court today.
On 30 September 2025, a swift intelligence-driven operation led by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI/Hawks), in partnership with multiple specialised units, resulted in the arrest of five suspects.
According to the Hawks spokesperson, Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana, at approximately 19:20 on Sunday, 28 September 2025, four armed culprits stormed a family store located in Ekupumleni, Whittlesea.
It is alleged that the suspects accosted a 35-year-old victim and demanded cash. During the ordeal, one of the suspects reportedly discharged a firearm into the ceiling, instilling fear among those who were present.
Mhlakuvana added that the perpetrators allegedly looted cash and a cell phone before they forcefully abducted the victim. The suspects apparently fled the scene in a silver Toyota Stalio sedan with an unknown registration number.
“The incident was immediately reported to the police, and a cartridge was recovered at the scene. Following extensive intelligence gathering, it was established that a ransom demand was made by the suspects.”
The matter was handed over to the Hawks for investigation. Due to the pressure exerted by the police, the victim was released a day later unharmed.
He said, “On the evening of 30 September, information revealed that the suspects were on their way to Gqeberha. A joint tactical response was immediately coordinated, involving Whittlesea SAPS, Detectives, Tactical Response Team Motherwell, Mount Road (TRT), Komani Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation, Gqeberha Hawks, Komani K9 Unit, Komani Crime Intelligence, and Gqeberha Local Criminal Record Centre.”
The vehicle of the suspects was positively identified and intercepted by a joint team in Gqeberha.
The three occupants inside the vehicle were all subjected to questioning, during which it was confirmed that they were allegedly implicated in the kidnapping incident. The vehicle was searched, and bags of new clothing items with price tags, till slips, and bank deposit slips to major retailers and banks were recovered.
Further investigation led the officers to the residence of one of the suspects in Wesley Estate, Gqeberha.
Mhlakuvana added that a search of the premises yielded an undisclosed amount of cash and the victim’s cell phone.
“Investigation continued, which led the police to another homestead at Whittlesea, and the fifth suspect was apprehended with an additional huge undisclosed amount of cash.”
The suspect was identified as a security officer employed by Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality. All the items were seized for further investigation, including the vehicle.
“Due to the sensitivity of the case as well as the process of investigation, the identity and pictures of the suspects will not be revealed at the moment,” said Hawks spokesperson Mhlakuvana.
The suspects will be remanded in custody until their next appearance on 9 October for their formal bail application.
The Provincial Head of the Hawks, Major General Obed Ngwenya, lauded the joint team and the professionalism displayed by all units involved.
