GQEBERHA – A police constable, Warrant Officer Xolani Busakwe, appeared before the Gqeberha New Law Court on Wednesday, 23 September, facing charges relating to a series of serious organised crimes, including alleged kidnappings and extortion.
According to Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana, on 22 September, the Gqeberha Serious Organised Crime Investigation team of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), commonly known as the Hawks, made a significant breakthrough in a protracted investigation into a series of serious and organised criminal activities, including alleged kidnapping, ransom demands, extortion, robbery with aggravating circumstances and suspected organised criminal activity.
“The development follows the arrest of a police officer (42) attached to the DPCI Cyber Crimes component at SAPS Head Office in Pretoria,” he said. “The arrest forms part of an intensive investigation conducted by the Eastern Cape DPCI into two separate kidnapping incidents in which victims were allegedly abducted by armed assailants, followed by ransom demands made to their families.”
Mhlakuvana added that the investigation relates to kidnapping incidents reported in the Swartkops and Kariega areas, as well as allegations of performing acts aimed at causing, bringing about, promoting, or contributing towards a pattern of criminal gang activity, in contravention of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA).
“The first incident reportedly occurred on 21 June 2025, when a female victim and her husband were allegedly confronted by four armed men at their place of employment,” he said. “The assailants allegedly forcibly removed the victim from the couple’s vehicle and abducted her.”
He added that following the abduction, a ransom demand was allegedly communicated to the victim’s family. “The victim was released unharmed a few days later.”
Mhlakuvana also stated that the second incident allegedly occurred on 11 August 2025, when a female victim and her husband were allegedly attacked by four armed men at their residence.
“The victim was forcibly removed from her vehicle and abducted,” he said. “A ransom demand was thereafter allegedly made to her family, and the victim was subsequently released unharmed.”
Mhlakuvana stated that the striking similarities between the two incidents, coupled with the circumstances surrounding the ransom demands and subsequent investigative developments, prompted an intensive investigation by the Hawks aimed at identifying those responsible and uncovering the broader criminal network allegedly associated with the offences.
“Acting on information gathered during the investigation, the investigative team proceeded to a guesthouse in Summerstrand, Gqeberha, where two suspects were arrested,” he said. “A substantial amount of cash was also seized during the operation.”
He also stated that the investigation subsequently led the team to Gauteng, where information indicated that another suspect was based.
“Following extensive investigative work, the team proceeded to Pretoria, where a Warrant Officer attached to the SAPS DPCI Cyber Crimes component was located and arrested at his place of employment at SAPS Head Office.”
Mhlakuvana said the suspect was transported from Gauteng to the Eastern Cape to appear before the Gqeberha New Law Court.
“The investigation remains ongoing, and further developments will be communicated as and when circumstances permit,” he said.
The Provincial Head of the Hawks, Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya, applauded the investigating team for its diligence and commitment in ensuring that the suspect is brought before the court to face the allegations against him.
The matter was postponed to 25 September for legal representation. “The officer is remanded in custody,” Mhlakuvana concluded.
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