Law-enforcement agencies comprising of the Provincial Cash-In-Transit Task Team, of Serious Organised Crime Investigation of the #Hawks, Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC), and Tactical Response Team (TRT), ensured that three (3) suspects Mhlangano Manciya (51), Xolani Honithi (44) and Simzuzile Sitoyile (31) appeared before the Mthatha Magistrate’s court on 21 July 2025, for charges relating to kidnapping and extortion.
The perpetrators were linked with the kidnapping incident that reportedly occurred at Zimbane in Mthatha on 9 July 2025.
According to the reports, four (4) armed unidentified suspects allegedly stormed at the homestead of a 48-year-old victim, impersonating police officers from the National Intervention Unit (NIU).
Under the false pretence of an arrest, they forcefully removed the victim from the premises and transported him to an unknown location. On the same evening, the family received a ransom demand for the release of the victim. The police were activated and a case docket was opened. Three (3) days later, the victim ostensibly escaped from the captivity and he was found at local Chief homestead at Qumbu unharmed.
A swift, intelligence-driven operation was launched, and it led the multidisciplinary team to several targeted homesteads. The trio were found and apprehended immediately on 18 July 2025 respectively, in different locations which were Mthatha, Qumbu, and Elliotdale. Thorough investigation by the Hawks confirmed their direct involvement and pivotal roles in orchestrating the kidnapping and subsequent extortion attempt.
The suspects appeared before the Mthatha Magistrate’s court on 21 July 2025, where the matter was remanded to 28 July 2025 for a formal bail application. The threesome is remanded in custody as the efforts to locate the outstanding suspect are ongoing, with the Hawks remaining resolute in pursuit of justice.
