KUGOMPO CITY – A foreign national (48) wanted in connection with an alleged child kidnapping and extortion case has been arrested by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation (SOCI) unit in KuGompo City.
In a statement, the Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana confirmed that the suspect, identified as Eddie Ncube, was apprehended on 22 June after being sought in connection with the sophisticated kidnapping and extortion matter.
“The matter emanates from an incident that occurred on 4 February 2025, approximately at 15:05, where two siblings were allegedly walking from school towards a local shop in Buffalo Flats in KuGompo City,” he said.
Mhlakuvana added that allegations revealed that while they were walking from school to home, the siblings were approached by occupants of a silver-grey Toyota Corolla.
“In a brazen and premeditated act, the suspects allegedly forcefully abducted a nine-year-old before fleeing the scene,” he said. “A case of kidnapping was opened and an investigation by the Hawks ensued. Later, a ransom demand was reportedly made by the suspects.”
Mhlakuvana further stated that a manhunt ensued, extending over several months and involving continuous intelligence-driven tracing operations aimed at locating the fugitive.
“Investigation by the team led to the successful tracing and arrest of Ncube,” he said. “Despite these significant successes, one suspect managed to evade arrest and remain at large.”
Mhlakuvana added that Ncube appeared before the KuGompo City Magistrate’s Court, and the matter was postponed to 7 July for a formal bail application.
“The accused remains in custody pending the finalisation of the bail proceedings,” he concluded.
