BIG BEND – Police have arrested a 37-year-old man from Mkhulamini in connection with the alleged kidnapping and robbery of three men who were reportedly transporting a 185kg consignment of dagga valued at approximately E1.1 million.
The suspect was arrested on June 22 at about 6pm in the Mayaluka area after he allegedly attempted to hijack a motor vehicle together with three accomplices while posing as a police officer.
According to police, the group was travelling in a Toyota double cab when they flagged down a motorist and identified themselves as police officers. They allegedly ordered the driver to open his vehicle, but he became suspicious and sped away.
The motorist immediately alerted police, prompting officers to respond and arrest the 37-year-old suspect.
Police investigations subsequently linked the suspect to a kidnapping incident that allegedly occurred on June 3, 2026, between 11:30am and noon at Mndobandoba.
It is alleged that five men armed with a pistol confronted and kidnapped three victims before robbing them of a 185kg dagga consignment. The suspects allegedly identified themselves as members of the Serious Crimes Unit, commonly known as Lukhozi officers.
The stolen dagga can be estimated to have a street value of about E1.1 million based on recent law enforcement valuations of similar seizures in the region.
Police said the three accomplices arrested during the attempted hijacking were charged with impersonating police officers and were expected to appear before the Big Bend Magistrate’s Court today.
The 37-year-old suspect is expected to appear before the same court tomorrow in connection with the alleged kidnapping cases.
Investigations are continuing as police work to identify and apprehend other suspects believed to have been involved in the crimes.
The arrest forms part of ongoing efforts by police to dismantle criminal syndicates operating in the country.
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