Off-Duty SAPS Constable Kidnapped and Blindfolded During Gqeberha Guesthouse Robbery

• Three armed suspects stormed a guesthouse on Buckingham Road in Mount Croix at around 23:30 on 17 August 2026
• Robbers identified an off-duty SAPS constable during a room-by-room search and singled him out for abduction
• Eastern Cape police management have activated an investigative team to trace the perpetrators and establish a motive

EASTERN CAPE — An off-duty South African Police Service constable was kidnapped, tied up, and blindfolded after three armed men raided a guesthouse in Mount Croix, Gqeberha, on the night of 17 August 2026. The incident happened after an off-duty cop was killed by a fellow member in KwaZulu-Natal in June.

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the suspects arrived at the premises on Buckingham Road at approximately 23:30, initially demanding cash from the guesthouse. Finding none, they proceeded to move through the building room by room, confiscating personal items from tenants and removing at least one television set from the property.

Read also

Robertson Farm standoff ends in gunman’s death, police officer injured

Constable singled out after police gear discovered

The situation turned into a targeted abduction when the robbers entered the constable's room and identified him as a police official. His belongings were seized before the suspects restrained him with bindings, covered his eyes, and forced him into their getaway vehicle. The officer was subsequently released and sustained no physical injuries. He is currently receiving support following the ordeal, according to Eastern Cape police.

Investigation launched, public urged to come forward

An investigative team has since been assembled to track down the three suspects and establish what drove them to specifically target the constable after uncovering his identity. The motive behind the abduction has not yet been confirmed. Eastern Cape police management publicly acknowledged the constable's conduct during the incident, commending him for his composure and bravery.

SAPS has called on members of the public who may have information relevant to the case to report to their nearest police station or to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

Read also

Woman shot dead by boyfriend in Bohlokong, man hospitalised after street shooting

Read the statement on Facebook:

Missing Alex Van Heerden found safe

In a related article, Briefly News reported on the recent kidnapping of Alex van Heerden, a 26-year-old attorney in Johannesburg, who was abducted outside her home. The incident was notably alarming due to its occurrence in a residential area and the brazen nature of the crime, which was captured on CCTV footage.

Source: Briefly News