EAST LONDON – Four suspects aged between 26 and 40, who were arrested for kidnapping a Pakistani national on 27 August, appeared before the Mdantsane Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 8 September 2025.
According to Hawks spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Avele Fumba, the suspects were arrested following the kidnapping of a 34-year-old Pakistani national in East London on 25 August 2025. It is alleged that the victim was forced into the boot of a white Toyota Fortuner at gunpoint before being transferred to a white Toyota Avanza.
The four suspects, identified as Phumulelo Jakuja (40), Sophumelela Devillers Mani (36), Sihle Disani (31) and Sanele Dumakude (26), have been remanded in custody and will reappear in court on a date yet to be confirmed.
Fumba revealed that the suspects allegedly demanded ransom from the victim’s brother while keeping him captive.
“The victim was later released following pressure from the Hawks’ Kidnapping Task Team working in collaboration with other law enforcement role players.
“On the same day, the suspects were traced and arrested,” he explained.
Fumba stated that firearms, including an R5 rifle with a filed-off serial number, as well as items belonging to the victim, were recovered.
“The suspects are also facing charges relating to the attempted murder of law enforcement officers during their arrest,” he added.
Provincial Head of the Hawks in the Eastern Cape, Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya, welcomed the development and assured communities that the Hawks remain committed to dismantling violent crime networks.
