Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner, Maj Gen Vuyisile Ncata has hailed the efforts of police members for their remarkable achievement in arresting a kidnapping suspect, the recovery of the victim’s vehicle and a firearm and, most importantly, the safe rescue of the kidnapped victim.
It is alleged that on 20 May 2024 at about 19:00, the 56-year -old victim from Nemato in Port Alfred arrived home and as he opened his gate to enter his yard, he was approached by a woman who requested information about his brother. As he was assisting her, another male appeared, and he was taken into his house where he was held at gunpoint. Two other males with firearms also entered. The complainant was taken in his VW Caravelle and at about 01:00 on 21 May 2024, the vehicle was spotted heading towards Gqeberha.
Intelligence information was received and was immediately operationalised by the NMB District Crime Combatting Unit (CCU) and on 22 May 2024 at about 10:00, a house in Zwide was penetrated and two males were found. On seeing police, one suspect fled while the other was arrested. The complainant’s vehicle keys, a silver Hyuandai i120 and a firearm were confiscated. The victim’s vehicle was also recovered, abandoned in an informal settlement in Kwazakele.
Further investigation led the CCU members to a house in Kwanobuhle where the kidnapped victim was found with his hands and feet bound. No one was at the house.
The suspect, aged 40, is detained on charges of kidnapping and house robbery. An enquiry was opened in respect of the firearm. He is expected to appear in the Port Alfred magistrate court on Friday, 24 May 2024. The search for the outstanding suspects, continues.
Maj Gen Ncata congratulated the involvement of the officers, namely SAPS Nemato, Port Alfred Crime Intelligence and especially the NMB Crime Combatting Unit members. ‘Their swift response and cooperation were instrumental in ensuring the safe rescue of the victim and apprehension of the suspect. This remarkable success was the result of diligent work, collaboration, and efficient information sharing between the various police units,’ added Maj Gen Ncata.
