TWO SUSPECTS TO APPEAR IN COURT FOR FALSIFICATION OF KIDNAPPING AND EXTORTION
POLOKWANE- Two suspects, a 34-year-old woman and her 60-year-old boyfriend, are scheduled to appear before the Seshego Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 04 June 2025, on charges of kidnapping and extortion following an elaborate deception that traumatized a family and wasted valuable police resources.
The incident unfolded on 02 May 2025 when a concerned husband reported his wife missing after she failed to arrive at her destination in Garawele Village in Mokopane policing precinct.The complainant had dropped off his wife at Tibane Crossroad hiking spot,
in Matlala policing area at approximately 11h00, expecting her to travel to visit family.
When attempts to contact his wife that evening proved unsuccessful, and family members confirmed she had not arrived at her destination, the complainant suspected foul play and immediately reported the matter to Matlala SAPS.
During the process of providing his statement to police, the complainant received a distressing phone call from his wife’s cellphone. An unknown male voice demanded R5000.00 ransom money, while the sound of a woman crying could be heard in the background. The caller abruptly ended the call, only to phone again from a different number with further ransom demands.
However, a thorough police investigation revealed a shocking twist – there was no kidnapping. The woman had voluntarily left with her boyfriend and both individuals had orchestrated the entire deception, including the ransom calls, to extort money from the unsuspecting husband.
Both suspects were subsequently arrested and detained at Matlala SAPS .
The Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has issued a stern warning regarding such criminal deception, stating: “The SAPS will not tolerate individuals who manipulate family bonds and exploit genuine concern to commit fraud and extortion. This case demonstrates the emotional trauma and resource wastage caused by false reporting and criminal deception.”
“We want to send a clear message that fabricating kidnapping scenarios for financial gain is a serious criminal offense that will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Our officers work tirelessly to investigate genuine missing person cases, and those who abuse this system will face the consequences,” added Lieutenant General Hadebe.
The investigating team commends the swift action taken by the complainant in reporting the matter, which enabled police to uncover the deception before any ransom money was paid.
The case serves as a reminder to the public to remain vigilant against extortion schemes and to report suspicious demands for money to the nearest police station immediately.
