City of Cape Town officials nabbed for alleged kidnapping, extortion of Khayelitsha man
The two Law Enforcement officers will appear in court on Thursday.
Image: File
Two officers attached to the City of Cape Town’s Law Enforcement are expected to appear in the Khayelitsha Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.
The suspects, aged 36 and 41, were arrested on Tuesday by members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) Provincial Organised Crime Investigation Unit, Anti-Kidnapping Task Team, POCC Operational Combat Task Team, Cape Town K9 Unit, and the City of Cape Town’s Special Investigations Unit (SSIU) after being identified by the complainant.
The duo faces charges of kidnapping and extortion.
Western Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Wesley Twigg, said the arrest follows an incident that took place on Wednesday, May 14.
“According to reports, the officers approached a man at a supermarket in Ilitha Park, Khayelitsha, and requested his asylum documentation. When the individual was unable to produce the documents, the officers allegedly instructed him to accompany them and later demanded a ransom for his release. The victim’s brother managed to gather an undisclosed amount of cash, which he handed over to the officers, leading to the victim’s release,” Twigg said.
Mayoral committee member for safety and security, Alderman JP Smith, confirmed the arrests of the two Law Enforcement officers.
He said this followed an internal investigation by the SSIU.
“It is alleged that the officers attached to the Metal Theft Unit kidnapped two men in Khayelitsha and demanded a ransom for their release. SSIU followed up on a tip-off and, after their initial inquiry, alerted SAPS. Search warrants were obtained on Monday, and the officers were arrested, in collaboration with the SAPS Provincial Kidnapping and Extortion Task Team,” Smith said.
He said the City takes a dim view of any attempts at dishonesty and illegal behaviour on the part of staff and stated they would cooperate with SAPS to ensure a swift conclusion to the investigation and prosecution.
“This matter is also being dealt with in terms of City policies and processes, and disciplinary processes are underway. The management of the Safety and Security Directorate is committed to ridding the department of corrupt and criminal elements and will not hesitate to investigate and take the required action when wrongdoing is uncovered,” Smith said.
robin.francke@iol.co.za
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