The Hawks have made a significant breakthrough in the kidnapping and hijacking case that took place on 5 April 2025 in Schonville location, Qonce, with the arrest of a 23-year-old female suspect now positively linked to the crime.
Victim Abducted, Assaulted, and Hijacked
According to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), the 32-year-old male victim was:
- Accosted, stabbed, and forced into the boot of a car by armed suspects.
- His Volkswagen Golf 7 GTI was hijacked and later found abandoned and burned near the Bisho off-ramp on the N2.
The victim was reportedly held hostage for several days, during which suspects demanded access to his cellphone, bank card, and PIN numbers. Money was subsequently withdrawn from the victim’s account.
Suspect Linked Through Intelligence Work
Following an intelligence-driven investigation led by the Hawks’ Interim Kidnapping Task Team, the victim was traced to a homestead in Schonville, where he was believed to have been kept.
The 23-year-old female suspect, who is believed to have orchestrated and played a major role in the kidnapping, was arrested after being positively linked to the incident. The case was built through strong collaboration between community members and law enforcement.
“This arrest marks a critical step forward, and we anticipate more arrests as the investigation progresses,” said a spokesperson for the Hawks.
Court Appearance Scheduled
The suspect is expected to appear before the Qonce Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 7 May 2025, on charges related to kidnapping, hijacking, and fraudulent withdrawal of funds.
Ongoing Investigation
The Hawks urge members of the public with information to come forward as the investigation into this complex and violent crime continues.