The multi-disciplinary intelligence led operation comprising of the Hawks, provincial anti-kidnapping unit along with provincial organised crime resulted in the arrest of a City of Cape Town law enforcement officer today (09 June 2025) on charges of kidnapping, extortion and murder.
The arrest of the 43-year old man follows after a victim was allegedly kidnapped in Kraaifontein on 16 May.
“The victim was last seen by a friend who reported that the victim went to Bellville to view a vehicle he intended to purchase and never came back. Instead another friend of the victim received a call from the victim reporting that he had been kidnapped and being assaulted,” said Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Siyabulela Vukubi in a statement to the media.
Simultaneously, a ransom of R100 000 for the victim’s release was demanded by the suspects which was alter reduced to R10 000.
“The suspects subsequently provided a bank account where the money should be deposited into. It was alleged that an amount of R5000 was deposited to that bank account and the suspects continued to demand the balance,” says Vukibi.
On 17 May, the Hawks team followed all the leads that led them to addresses in Philippi and Kleinvlei which resulted in the arrest of the four accused, Mogamat Samuels (33), Thokozani Kamnjunga (36), Existing Mudivari(33) and Yasseen Jele (30) who have already made a court appearance. The team was led to an open field on the dunes between Monwabisi beach and Macassar, where one of the accused pointed out a shallow grave where the victim was killed and buried.
“Upon further probe, it transpired that a City of Cape Town Law Enforcement vehicle, which was driven by the said suspect, was utilized in the commission of this heinous crime,” said Vukibi.
The suspect will make first appearance at the Bluedowns Magistrates’ Court on 10 June, where after he will be joining his co- accused who will appear on 12 June in the same court for bail application.
The provincial head of the Hawks, Maj. Gen. Makgato said that we remain committed to root out any form of criminality even within the ranks of the Law Enforcement agencies, if they find themselves on the wrong side of the law.
City assist with investigation
Wayne Dyason, spokesperson for City Law Enforcement confirmed the arrest.
“The officer who is stationed at the Anti-Land Invasion Unit was arrested amid an investigation by our Safety and Security Information Management Systems unit in collaboration with the Hawks in connection with the crime in May.
“When approached for assistance, our teams worked diligently to aid the Hawks’ investigation. We will continue to cooperate with the police to ensure a swift conclusion to the investigation and prosecution. While the arrest of the officer is disappointing, the Safety and Security Directorate is committed to rooting out corrupt and criminal elements and will not hesitate to investigate and take the required action when wrongdoing is uncovered. This matter is also being dealt with in terms of City policies and processes, and a disciplinary process is underway,” he said.
