OUTLAWS

Two City of Cape Town Law Enforcement officers have been charged with kidnapping and extortion.

According to Mayco Member for Safety and Security JP Smith, it is alleged that the officers, aged 36 and 41, attached to the Metal Theft Unit kidnapped two men in iLitha Park, Khayelitsha and demanded a ransom for their release.

Following an internal investigation, the officers were handed over to the South African Police Service.

And Smith said that this matter is being dealt with in terms of City policies and processes and disciplinary processes are underway. 

In a statement, he explains: “The City can confirm the arrest of two Law Enforcement officers this week on charges of kidnapping and extortion, following an internal investigation by the Safety and Security Investigations Unit (SSIU).

"It is alleged the officers attached to the Metal Theft Unit kidnapped two men in Khayelitsha and demanded a ransom for their release.

"SSIU followed up on a tip-off and after their initial inquiry, alerted SAPS. Search warrants were obtained on Monday and the officers were arrested earlier [Tuesday], in collaboration with the SAPS Provincial Kidnapping and Extortion Task Team. 

"The City takes a dim view of any attempts at dishonesty and illegal behaviour on the part of staff. We will cooperate with SAPS to ensure a swift conclusion to the investigation and prosecution. 

"The management of the Safety and Security Directorate are committed to rid the department of corrupt and criminal elements and will not hesitate to investigate and take the required action when wrongdoing is uncovered.”

Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg confirmed the arrest and that the incident occurred on Wednesday, 14 May 2025.

Twigg reports: “According to reports, the officers approached a man at a supermarket in iLitha Park, Khayelitsha, and requested his asylum documentation.

"When the individual was unable to produce the documents, the officers allegedly instructed him to accompany them and later demanded a ransom for his release.

"The victim’s brother managed to gather an undisclosed amount of cash, which he handed over to the officers, leading to the victim’s release.

"Members of the Provincial Organised Crime Investigation Unit, Anti-Kidnapping Task Team, POCC Operational Combat Task Team, Cape Town K9 Unit, and the City of Cape Town’s Special Investigations Unit (SSIU) arrested the officers after they were identified by the complainant.

"Following the investigation, the investigating officer applied for arrest warrants, which were subsequently granted by the court. The suspects, aged 36 and 41, were arrested on Tuesday, 20 May 2025, and are facing charges of kidnapping and extortion.”

Twigg says that the men are expected to appear in the Khayelitsha Magistrates Court on Thursday.