Failed ransom leads to tragic murder of kidnapped victim…

Mogwase/ Swartklip – In a significant breakthrough, a joint operation by the Mogwase Detectives Unit and the North West Provincial Anti-Gang Unit culminated in the arrest of a 42-year-old man at Acornhoek, Mpumalanga, on Saturday 27 January 2024. The arrest was made in connection with the kidnapping of 55-year-old Pauline Nkanyane, a resident of Manamakgoteng village near Mogwase.

Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone reported that the alleged kidnapping took place in the early hours of Sunday 21 January 2024. Pauline Nkanyane was en route to her job at Swartklip Mine when she was abducted. The investigation unfolded rapidly, revealing that the suspect had driven to Acornhoek with Nkanyane, leaving her vehicle abandoned in Manamakgoteng. Initially treated as a missing person case, the situation escalated to a kidnapping after the suspect demanded a ransom.

Tragically, the situation took a grim turn. When the ransom plan failed, the suspect is alleged to have murdered Nkanyane. Her body was discovered by a passer-by along the R36 road in Moraba village, situated between JJ Strydom tunnel and Ohringstad in Limpopo Province, on Thursday 25 January 2024.

According to Mike Bolhuis, Specialist Investigators into Serious Violent, Serious Economic Crimes & Serious Cybercrimes, kidnappings rocketed by 183% from 3,832 in 2012/13 to 10,826 in 2021/22. Against a backdrop of economic hardship and political turmoil, holding people for ransom has become increasingly lucrative.

During the arrest operation, police found the suspect in possession of a 9mm pistol with a filed-off serial number. The suspect has since appeared before the Mogwase Magistrates’ Court on 29 January 2024, facing charges of kidnapping. The police have not ruled out the possibility of further arrests in connection with this case.

Lieutenant general Sello Kwena, the provincial commissioner of North West, commended the team’s dedication and hard work leading to the arrest. He also extended his heartfelt condolences to the family and relatives of Pauline Nkanyane, expressing sorrow over the tragic loss. The community has been shaken by this event, and the police are committed to ensuring justice is served.