Cape Town Law Enforcement officer fired for alleged involvement in kidnapping and murder

The City has dismissed a Law Enforcement officer arrested in connection with the kidnapping and murder of a man who travelled to Bellville to view a vehicle he intended to purchase.

The man’s body was later found in a shallow grave on the dunes between Monwabisi beach and Macassar.

According to the Hawks, a City of Cape Town Law Enforcement vehicle, driven by now former law enforcement officer, Thandile Khesa, was utilized in the commission of the crime.

This comes as two more suspects were arrested on charges of murder and are expected in court on Wednesday.

Hawks spokesperson Zinzi Hani said: “A multi-disciplinary intelligence led operation comprising of the Hawks, Provincial Operational Command Centre Combat Team and City of Cape Town SSIMS resulted in the arrest of two suspects aged between 33 and 37 years, (Tuesday) morning, on charges of murder.” 

“Their arrest follows after a victim was allegedly kidnapped in Kraaifontein on May 16, 2025. 

“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.”

The suspects demanded a ransom of R100 000 for the victim’s release.

Further phone calls were made where the ransom was 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,” Hani said.

On May 17, the team followed leads that brought them to addresses in Philippi and Kleinvlei which resulted in the arrest of 33-year-old Mogamat Samuels, who has already appeared in court.

“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 a law enforcement officer, Thandile Khesa, was utilized in the commission of this heinous crime.” 

Khesa is expected back in court on October 29 to appear alongside Samuels. 

Samuels and Khesa remain in custody.

The City confirmed Khesa was arrested in May.

“The officer has since been dismissed from the City of Cape Town, following the conclusion of his disciplinary hearing on 16 September 2025.

“The Safety and Security Directorate is assisting the lead investigative agencies in this matter, because of the alleged involvement of a (now former) City staff member and resources,” the City said.

Cape Times