By Priya Ranchod
A 37-year-old woman who was previously reported kidnapped and later found alive in Kwa-Thema has been arrested alongside an alleged accomplice for reportedly staging the incident in an attempt to extort money from her cousin.
The two suspects were arrested on Tuesday, 20 October 2026, following investigations by Kwa-Thema detectives, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and Crime Intelligence.
According to the police, investigations revealed that the woman allegedly conspired with her accomplice to stage the kidnapping to obtain money from her cousin.
The case first came to light after a family member reported the kidnapping to police on Thursday, 8 October 2026. The suspects allegedly used the woman's cellphone to demand a ransom of R40,000 from her family.
On Saturday, 10 October, the suspects reportedly contacted the family again and indicated that the woman would be dropped off along Vlakfontein Road, near Marikana informal settlement.
Police officers, accompanied by family members, proceeded to the identified location, where the woman was found alive with injuries to her hands. She was taken to hospital for medical treatment.
At the time, police reported that no arrests had been made, although cellphones had been seized from three persons of interest as part of the investigation.
Further investigations have since led to the arrest of the woman and her alleged accomplice.
Gauteng SAPS provincial spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi warned members of the public against staging criminal incidents or providing false information to the police.
She said false reports diverted critical police resources from genuine cases and undermined efforts to combat crime and protect communities.
Nevhuhulwi urged members of the public to use police services responsibly and to provide truthful information when reporting criminal incidents.
Both suspects are expected to appear in court on charges of defeating the ends of justice, extortion and staging a crime scene.
The case highlights the importance of accurate reporting, as police resources are essential in responding to genuine emergencies, investigating crimes and helping families find missing loved ones.
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