VHEMBE: Provincial Organised Crime Unit’s swift and coordinated response led to the successful rescue of five kidnapped foreign nationals and the arrest of two suspects linked to an alleged kidnapping syndicate during an intelligence-driven operation in the Levubu policing area, Vhembe District.
The operation was initiated following a kidnapping case opened by a foreign male national residing in Giyani, Mopani District, on Tuesday, 07 May 2026. The complainant reported receiving calls from unknown suspects demanding a ransom for the release of his brother.
Acting on gathered intelligence, members of the Provincial Organised Crime Unit followed up on critical leads, culminating in an operation conducted on Saturday, 16 May 2026, at approximately 08:00, at Valdezia Mambedi Village under the Levubu policing precinct.
Upon arrival at a local spaza shop identified during investigations, police found two foreign male suspects on the premises and immediately conducted a search. During the search, illicit cigarettes, cellphones, and an undisclosed amount of money, including coins stored in plastic bags, were seized.
Further inspection led to the discovery of five foreign male victims, aged between 18 and 24, locked inside a room. The victims were found seated on the floor, half-naked, and visibly distressed.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the victims had allegedly been kidnapped separately in the Giyani area, where they were reportedly forced into a truck and transported to the location where they were held captive for approximately twelve (12) days. The victims informed police that they were kept under guard, fed only bread, and repeatedly assaulted by their captors, who allegedly pressured their family members to pay a ransom for their release.
Two Ethiopian nationals, Misganu Gethchwe (24) and Teshal Tumebo (20), were arrested in connection with the incident. Two additional suspects linked to the alleged syndicate remain at large, and police are actively pursuing leads to secure their arrest.
The arrested suspects appeared before the Giyani Magistrate’s Court on charges of kidnapping and before the Waterval Magistrate’s Court on charges related to the possession of illicit cigarettes and money laundering on Monday, 18 May 2026.
They were remanded in custody and are expected to appear again in the Waterval Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 22 May 2026, and in the Giyani Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 25 May 2026.
Police investigations are continuing.