EASTERN CAPE – The Eastern Cape Kidnapping Task team, headed by East London based Serious Organised Crime Investigation team of the Hawks, apprehended two suspects, Constable Mfundo Ntshiba (35) and Xolile Makhosini (37) on charges of house robbery, kidnapping and hijacking during the early hours of Wednesday, 06 July 2022.
It is alleged that on Tuesday, 5 July 2022, a house robbery and kidnapping of two (2) victims took place at Ndondo Square location in Cala at a loan shark’s residence. Three suspects, all dressed in police uniform, are alleged to have budged into the house of the alleged loan shark and robbed her of 98 bank cards, cash to the value of R22 000, her Ertiga vehicle and kidnapped her two brothers but, she managed to escape. The vehicle and two brothers were later found safe.
The victim is reported to have managed to identify one of the suspects as Ntshiba, who allegedly reported that he would be late for his night shift duties at his workplace, as he had a problem to attend to. Ntshiba was arrested and that led to the arrest of Makhosini his accomplice who is a taxi owner and a traditional healer.
During the arrest of the duo, a Toyota Fortuner, a Toyota Corolla and a VW Polo were confiscated as they are reported to have been used as instruments during the commission of a crime.
The suspects appeared in Cala Magistrate’s court on 7 July 2022. Ntshiba was denied bail by virtue of being a law enforcement agent while Makhosini was released on R3000 bail.
Ntshiba appeared thrice in court with the 25th of July being the last date where he is reported to have escaped under police custody after having been denied bail on the said date.
The task team is appealing to the public to assist with information that can lead to the location of Vuyisani Topo in the picture as he is believed to be the relevant person to assist in unlocking the case. Anyone with information can contact Constable Cabane on 082 371 6576 .The information will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.
Source: South African Police Service