Man allegedly kidnapped in Kraaifontein found buried in shallow grave

Four suspects have been arrested for kidnapping, extortion and murder after a man was allegedly kidnapped in Kraaifontein on Friday May 16.

Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Siyabulela Vukubi said the suspects demanded a ransom of R100 000 for the victim to be released. 

“The victim was last seen by a friend who reported that the victim (friend) went to Bellville to view a vehicle he intended to purchase and never came back. Instead, another friend of the victim received a call from the victim reporting that he had been kidnapped and was being assaulted,” he said.

Further phone calls were made by the suspects whereby the ransom was reduced to R10 000.

“The suspects subsequently provided a bank account where the money should be deposited into. It was alleged that an amount of R5000 was deposited to that bank account and the suspects continued to demand the balance,” Lieutenant Colonel Vukubi said.

Hawks and police teams followed all leads on Saturday May 17, which led them to addresses in Philippi and Kleinvlei which resulted in the arrest of the suspects.

“Further probe led the team to an open field on the dunes between Monwabisi beach and Macassar, where one of the suspects pointed out a shallow grave where the victim was killed and buried,” Lieutenant Colonel Vukubi said.

The Hawks' Provincial Head, Major General Mathipa Makgato, praised the team for their investigation.

The suspects were expected to appear at the Bluedowns Magistrate's Court on Monday May 19.