Two move vas in Bellville kidnapping and murder case

THE Hawks have announced the arrest of two more suspects in a kidnapping and murder case involving a City of Cape Town Law Enforcement officer. 

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) confirmed that the men, aged 33 and 37, were apprehended on Tuesday morning during a multi-disciplinary, intelligence-led operation.

The team included 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 said: “The arrest follows after a victim was allegedly kidnapped in Kraaifontein on 16 May 2025. The victim was last seen by a friend who reported that the victim went to Bellville to view a vehicle he intended to purchase and never came back.”

Hani said the investigation revealed that the victim later contacted a friend, saying he had been kidnapped and assaulted. The suspects reportedly demanded a ransom of R100 000 for his release, later reducing the amount to R10 000.

Hani added: “It was alleged that an amount of R5 000 was deposited into that bank account and the suspects continued to demand the balance.

The following day, investigators tracked leads to Philippi and Kleinvlei, where they arrested 33-year-old Mogamat Samuels, who has since appeared in court.

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

Further investigation revealed that a City of Cape Town law enforcement vehicle had been used in the commission of the crime.

“It transpired that the City of Cape Town Law Enforcement vehicle, which was driven by a law enforcement officer, Thandile Khesa, was utilised in the commission of this heinous crime,” Hani confirmed.

Khesa has already appeared in court alongside Samuels, with their next court appearance scheduled for October 29, 2025. Both men remain in custody.

The newly arrested suspects are expected to appear in the Blue Downs Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 8 October, 2025, for their first court appearance.

Meanwhile, charges were withdrawn against former suspects Thokozani Kamnjunga, Existing Mudivari, and Yasseen Jele.

Law enforcement spokesperson Wayne Dyason previously said that Khesa was stationed at Anti-Land Invasion Unit and that while the arrest was disappointing they are committed to rooting out corruption and criminal elements in their ranks.