Law Enforcement officer arrested for murder and kidnapping

A City Law Enforcement officer attached to the Anti-Land Invasion Unit has been arrested on charges of murder, kidnapping, and extortion.

A multi-disciplinary operation led by the Hawks, Provincial Anti-Kidnapping Unit, and Provincial Organised Crime, resulted in the apprehension of the 43-year-old officer.

Hawks spokesperson Siyabulela Vukubi said the kidnapping is alleged to have taken place on May 16 in Kraaifontein. 

“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 was being assaulted,” Vukubi said. 

Simultaneously, the suspects demanded a ransom of R100 000 for the victim’s release. The suspects made further phone calls, and the ransom was reduced to R10 000.

“The suspects subsequently provided a bank account where the money should be deposited. It was alleged that an amount of R5000 was deposited into that bank account, and the suspects continued to demand the balance,” Vukubi said. 

On May 17, 2025, the team followed all the leads that led them to addresses in Philippi and Kleinvlei, which resulted in the arrest of 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 the City of Cape Town Law Enforcement vehicle, which was driven by the suspect, was utilised in the commission of this heinous crime,” Vukubi said. 

The officer is expected to make his first appearance in the Bluedowns Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, thereafter, he will be joining his co-accused in the dock on June 12. 

Law Enforcement spokesperson Wayne Dyason confirmed the arrest.

He said the matter was being investigated by the City’s Safety and Security Information Management Systems (SSIMS) Unit in collaboration with the Hawks and they will continue to cooperate with SAPS 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,” Dyason said.

Cape Times