Hawks Officer Arrested Over Alleged Kidnappings and Extortion in Gqeberha, South Africans Frustrated
- A 42-year-old Hawks officer attached to the Cyber Crime Division in Pretoria was arrested on 22 September 2026
- Zolani Busakwe appeared before the Gqeberha Magistrate's Court on 23 September facing charges of serious organised crime
- South Africans took to social media to weigh in on the arrest, sharing frustration that an officer of the law was arrested
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Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He worked as a newspaper journalist for 10 years before transitioning to online.
PRETORIA — A serving Hawks officer has been arrested in connection with two kidnapping incidents in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro.
Zolani Busakwe, 42, was stationed in Pretoria at the Hawks' Cyber Crime Division. Hawks Gqeberha members arrested him in Gauteng on 22 September 2026. He appeared before the Gqeberha Magistrate's Court the following day, facing charges of serious organised crime, including the alleged kidnappings and extortion.
The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) is calling it a significant breakthrough in a long-running probe.
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Two other suspects were arrested
DPCI spokesperson Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana confirmed that two other suspects had already been arrested in connection with the same investigation before Busakwe's apprehension.
The Hawks believe the latest arrest marks a turning point in a complex inquiry into organised criminal activities that include extortion and robbery in the Nelson Mandela Bay area. Mhlakuvana said the matter was postponed to 25 September 2026 to allow Busakwe to arrange legal representation. He remains in custody while the case proceeds.
South Africans react with alarm
The arrest drew sharp reaction on social media, with many South Africans expressing disillusionment over criminality within the police service.
Charles Sithole wrote:
"High-profile crimes are committed by police, not foreigners."
Annalien Barendrecht commented:
"Hawks officer? Really? So we can't trust no police at all anymore."
Kobate Sekele asked:
"These guys are really out of control. What message are these people sending to the public?"
Lama D Dee stated simply:
"We're far from winning this battle."
Mntimande ZK Mntimande noted:
"Seems like this month of September has got more arrests."
Mlatha Samkelo added:
"Many things are happening. I think General Mkhwanazi should take over SAPS as high commissioner or minister."
Three articles about police officer arrests
- Tshwane Metro Police officer Peter Nonyane and attorney wife appeared in Polokwane Magistrate's Court on money laundering charges.
- Twelve senior police officers have been arrested in connection with the Medicare Tshwane District contract.
- Thirteen law enforcement officers have been arrested in Gauteng in connection with corruption, extortion and trespassing.
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Source: Briefly News
