A 42-year-old police officer attached to the Hawks’ Cyber Crime Division in Pretoria has been arrested in connection with two alleged kidnapping incidents in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro.
The officer, identified as Warrant Officer Xolani Busakwe, was arrested in Gauteng on Tuesday by the Hawks’ Gqeberha team. He appeared in the Gqeberha Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday facing charges linked to serious organised crime, including alleged kidnapping and extortion.
The investigation relates to two kidnapping incidents reported in Swartkops and Kariega last year.
According to the Hawks, in both incidents a husband and wife were confronted by four armed men before the woman was allegedly kidnapped for ransom.
The Hawks say the arrest is a significant breakthrough in a prolonged investigation into organised criminal activities that also include extortion and robbery.
Two other suspects had previously been arrested in connection with the investigation. Following the latest arrest, Busakwe remains in custody.
His matter was postponed to 25 September 2026 to allow him to secure legal representation.
The allegations against Busakwe have not been tested in court, and he remains presumed innocent unless found guilty.
