Media Statement
South African Police Service
Office of the Provincial Commissioner Eastern Cape

QUMBU - The District Commissioner of OR Tambo District, Major General Norman Modishana, has welcomed the arrest of two suspects in connection with the kidnapping of two young men and subsequent murder of one of the two victims in Qumbu. 

It is alleged that on 01 June 2025, two victims aged 20 and 22 were abducted in Qumbu Central Business District using a white Inyathi taxi. The abduction followed allegations that the victims had stolen a sling bag containing two cellphones and cash. A kidnapping case was registered at Qumbu SAPS on 03 June 2025. 

The 20-year-old victim was subsequently located at his Marambeni home on 03 June 2025 with severe injuries and he was hospitalized. This led to the arrest of Tembalethu Ncudu (32) on 04 June 2025, who appeared in Qumbu Magistrate’s Court that same day. The second suspect, taxi owner Sifiso Nene (33) of Mahlungulu, was arrested on 15 June 2025 at approximately 19:00. 

On Thursday, 10 July 2025, the decomposing body of the 22-year-old victim was discovered by a community member in dongas (erosion channels) at Mahlungulu locality. The victim was found with hands and legs bound by rope. 

Both suspects remain in custody facing charges of kidnapping and murder. Their formal bail application is scheduled for Monday, 14 July 2025 at Qumbu Magistrate’s Court. The white Inyathi taxi used in the commission of the crime has been impounded as evidence. 

Ends

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Captain Welile Matyolo 
079 890 0742

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