Hawks arrest two suspects following 73-year-old woman's kidnapping

The Hawks in the Eastern Cape have arrested two suspects in connection with the kidnapping of a 73-year-old woman from Kariega. 

According to Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana, the Hawks’ provincial spokesperson, the woman was abducted on August 11, 2025, by two men who blocked her path in Crocus Street, Kariega.

"It is alleged that the victim was coming out from the gate of her homestead driving a motor vehicle, where she was apparently blocked by a Volkswagen Polo and two unidentified armed suspects alighted from the vehicle, accosted the victim into their vehicle and fled from the scene," said Mhlakuvana.

After her kidnapping, a ransom demand was made, prompting an urgent investigation led by the Hawks.

Mhlakuvana noted that extensive investigative efforts by a multi-disciplinary team culminated in her safe return almost five days later.

"She was found near Kariega police station unharmed and reunited with her family," he said.

Following the woman's release, an intelligence-driven operation was set in motion, leading investigators to various locations in Gqeberha, where the two suspects, aged 29 and 31, were arrested. 

"Furthermore, the team reportedly recovered a huge undisclosed amount of cash, two vehicles and two firearms that were suspected to have been used in the kidnapping incident and were seized for further investigation," added Mhlakuvana.

He said the suspects are due to appear in the Kariega Magistrate’s Court separately on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Head of the Hawks Major general Mboiki Obed Ngwenya lauded the investigating team for ensuring that the suspects were arrested without incident and will now face justice.

sinenhlanhla.masilela@iol.co.za

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