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SAPS ‘arrest’ graphic.
Three suspects are in custody and an Ethiopian hostage was released in a rescue operation by the Hawks in the Eastern Cape.
One person managed to escape the abduction attempt.
Hawks spokesperson, Avele Fumba, says the victim was abducted during an ambush on the N2 between Qonce and Peddie.
Fumba says the kidnappers demanded a ransom from the victim’s family and when the victim was not released, the Hawks stepped up their operation.
“On 10 September 2025, the task team conducted a strategic operation that led to the arrest of three suspects and the recovery of two pistols and the extension of the operation to Alice where an Ethiopian national was found held hostage.”
“At the hideout, the suspects fired at officers. Hawks and their partners returned fire in a controlled response and neutralised three armed suspects. No law enforcement personnel were injured. The arrested suspects will face charges of kidnapping, attempted murder and possession of unlicensed firearms amongst others,” explains.
Last week, police killed Mozambique’s most wanted kidnapping kingpin in a shootout.
Police say the kingpin was found with South African and Mozambican identity documents.
