Two Suspects Indicted in Bellville Kidnapping and Murder Case

THE Hawks have reported the detention of two additional suspects in a kidnapping and murder case connected to a City of Cape Town Law Enforcement officer.

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) confirmed that the individuals, aged 33 and 37, were taken into custody on Tuesday morning during a coordinated, intelligence-driven operation.

The operation involved members from the Hawks, the Provincial Operational Command Centre Combat Team, and the City of Cape Town’s SSIMS unit.

Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Zinzi Hani stated: “The arrests came after a victim was reportedly kidnapped in Kraaifontein on 16 May 2025. The victim was last seen by a friend who mentioned that he went to Bellville to look at a vehicle he intended to buy but never returned.”

Hani noted that the investigation found the victim had later contacted a friend, claiming he had been kidnapped and assaulted. The suspects allegedly demanded a ransom of R100,000 for his release, which they later lowered to R10,000.

Hani further explained: “It was alleged that R5,000 was deposited into the specified bank account, but the suspects continued to demand the remaining amount.”

On the following day, investigators followed leads to Philippi and Kleinvlei, where they apprehended 33-year-old Mogamat Samuels, who has since appeared in court.

During the inquiry, one of the accused guided officers to an open field between Monwabisi Beach and Macassar, where a shallow grave containing the victim’s body was found.

Additional investigation indicated that a City of Cape Town law enforcement vehicle was utilized in the commission of the crime.

“It was discovered that the City of Cape Town Law Enforcement vehicle, driven by officer Thandile Khesa, was involved in this atrocious act,” Hani confirmed.

Khesa has already appeared in court alongside Samuels, with their next court date set for October 29, 2025. Both men are currently in custody.

The newly apprehended suspects are expected to make their first court appearance at the Blue Downs Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 8 October, 2025.

In the meantime, charges against former suspects Thokozani Kamnjunga, Existing Mudivari, and Yasseen Jele have been withdrawn.

Law enforcement spokesperson Wayne Dyason previously remarked that Khesa was stationed at the Anti-Land Invasion Unit and, while the arrest was disheartening, they remain dedicated to eliminating corruption and criminal activity within their ranks.