A coordinated operation led by the East London DPCI Kidnapping Task Team and supported by the East London Tracking Team, East London TRT, Provincial Crime Intelligence, Amathole District Crime Intelligence and private partner Guardian Defence Security has successfully dismantled a violent criminal syndicate through a daring hostage rescue and decisive arrests.
The incident began on the N2 near Kat Kat Farm between Qonce and Peddie when two victims were allegedly ambushed by a white sedan. The suspects fired shots, disabling the victims’ vehicle and forcing them to flee into nearby bushes. One victim escaped while the other was abducted.
On 08 September 2025, the kidnappers demanded ransom from the victim’s family. When the victim was not released, the Hawks intensified their investigation. On 10 September 2025, the task team conducted a strategic operation that led to the arrest of three suspects, the recovery of two pistols and the extension of the operation to Alice where an Ethiopian national was found held hostage.
At the hideout the suspects fired at officers. Hawks and their partners returned fire in a controlled response and neutralised three armed suspects. No law enforcement personnel were injured. Three additional firearms were recovered, bringing the total to five seized illegal weapons.
The arrested suspects will face charges of kidnapping, attempted murder and possession of unlicensed firearms amongst others. They are due to appear before the Peddie Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 15 September 2025.
Provincial Head of the Hawks in the Eastern Cape Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya praised the operation, stating that, “This operation sends a clear and uncompromising message that criminals will find no refuge in the Eastern Cape. We will track them, confront them and dismantle their networks with precision and force.”
