On Saturday, 6 April 2024, the effort and dedication made by the Hawks Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation Provincial Tracking Team, Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation Anti-gang Unit, Durban Directorate for Crime Investigation Economic Protected Resources, Pietermaritzburg Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Provincial Tactical Response Team, Mayville SAPS members with assistance of Magma Security and Investigations and Hawks Protection Services let to the arrest of two suspects aged 34 and 41at Kwandengezi area and in Newlands West in Durban.

It is alleged that on Friday, 29 March 2024 at about 21:00 six males were coming from one of the casinos in Pietermaritzburg when they were approached and kidnapped by seven armed suspects. The case was opened at Alexandra police station in Pietermaritzburg. On Saturday, 6 April 2024, the matter was reported to the HAWKS.

An intensive investigation was initiated as a result, on the same evening the members spotted the victim’s silver polo vehicle on Old Richmond Road in Kwandengezi. The driver of the vehicle refused to stop and a high-speed chase ensued. The members tactically shot the rear tyres to force the vehicle to a stop. The driver was arrested.
The suspect led the members to the Newlands West area in Durban where the kidnapped victims were held captive. The premises were secured and the victims were rescued.

It was discovered that the victims had been tortured and beaten by the suspects since their kidnapping.

Further information received was that two other suspects were allegedly in a blue Chevrolet Spark.  The driver of the vehicle spotted members on Murraydene Avenue. He then rammed into one of the member's vehicles in an attempt to escape. One suspect fired shots at members, and members returned fire and forced the vehicle to stop.

The driver managed to escape but the passenger was apprehended. The suspects were charged accordingly and are expected to appear in the Pietermaritzburg Magistrates Court soon.

The investigation continues to trace other suspects who are still at large.
The KwaZulu-Natal Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation Provincial Head, Major General (Dr) Lesetja Senona applauded the members for the swift arrest and to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to book.

Enquiries: Warrant Officer Sibu Ncane

0721823288