The Hawks in the Eastern Cape have arrested two men in connection with the kidnapping of a 73-year-old woman from Kariega earlier this month.
The woman was abducted on August 11 when armed suspects blocked her car in Crocus Street. They forced her into their vehicle and fled the scene, later demanding a ransom from her family.
A multi-disciplinary police team launched an urgent investigation, which led to the woman’s safe return five days later. She was found near the Kariega police station, unharmed and reunited with her family.
An intelligence-led operation then tracked the suspects to Gqeberha, where two men aged 29 and 31 were arrested. Police also seized two vehicles, two firearms, and a large amount of cash believed to be linked to the kidnapping.
The suspects are expected to appear separately in the Kariega Magistrate’s Court this week.
The Hawks commended the investigation team for their swift action, saying the arrests send a strong message that crimes of this nature will not go unpunished.