A multidisciplinary operation by the Provincial Anti-Hijacking Task Team and a private local security company led to the successful rescue of two #kidnapping victims, the arrest of three suspects, and the recovery of a hijacked vehicle in Kabokweni on Thursday, 04 June 2026.
Members acted on intelligence regarding a carjacking and kidnapping incident in the Kabokweni area and traced the suspects to a house in Manyeveni. Upon searching the premises, three suspects aged between 28 and 35 were arrested, while two victims were found and safely rescued.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly kidnapped the two victims and forced the male victim to transfer approximately R86 000-00 from his bank account. The suspects had allegedly intended to extort a larger amount of money.
Police also recovered the victims’ white Ford Ranger bakkie at a tavern in Malekutu. Two prohibited firearms with ammunition and several cellular phones were seized during the operation.
The suspects face charges including carjacking, kidnapping, robbery with aggravating circumstances, possession of prohibited firearms, and unlawful possession of ammunition. They remain in custody and are expected to appear in court soon.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, praised the members for their swift response and commitment to combating serious and violent crime.
#TrioCrimes
Suspects arrested, kidnapping victims freed and a hijacked vehicle recoveredhttps://t.co/Fdy7oH699r#ArriveAlive #Crime @SAPoliceService pic.twitter.com/h7uzWHgC78
– Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) June 5, 2026
