G4S employee arrested in Eastern Cape for hijacking and kidnapping

G4S employee arrested in Eastern Cape for hijacking and kidnapping! A 40-year-old employee of G4S Cash Solutions was arrested in the Eastern Cape over the weekend in connection with a hijacking and kidnapping case. However, due to the sensitive nature of the investigation, his identity and photographs cannot be released at this stage.

The suspect appeared in the Port St Johns Magistrate’s Court on Monday, where the court ruled that his name must remain confidential for now. The case has been adjourned for a formal bail application set for March 10, 2025.

Hawks Reveal Details of the Crime

According to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (the Hawks), the incident took place near Ntlaza in Libode, where two G4S security guards were servicing Capitec Automated Teller Machines (ATMs).

Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana detailed the series of events leading to the crime.

“It is alleged that a Volkswagen Polo bumped their vehicle. The guards stopped to check the damage, unaware that they were about to be ambushed.”

As the guards assessed the situation, a white Toyota Fortuner allegedly approached from another direction and stopped near their vehicle.

Armed Suspects Attack the Security Guards

Mhlakuvana said that the situation escalated when armed suspects suddenly emerged from the Fortuner and ordered the security guards to lie down on the road.

“The suspects disarmed the guards, taking their firearms before hijacking the vehicle,” he stated.

After taking control of the Toyota Etios, the attackers kidnapped the guards and drove them to a remote area near Ngqeleni, where they were abandoned in a forest.

The guards were later found unharmed and reported the brazen attack to the authorities.

Suspect Arrested, Accomplice on the Run

Following an intensive Hawks investigation, a 40-year-old suspect—an employee of G4S in Gauteng—was arrested. He was allegedly found in possession of firearms and ATM keys, linking him to the crime.

However, at least one other suspect remains at large, and the Hawks have confirmed that a manhunt is underway to track down his accomplice.

Court Ruling: No Identity Disclosure

Due to the ongoing investigation and the potential risks associated with the case, the court has ruled that the suspect’s identity and images cannot be made public at this stage.

Legal experts say this decision was likely influenced by concerns about witness protection and the risk of compromising the investigation.

Formal Bail Application Scheduled for March 10

The suspect remains in custody as the case unfolds. His formal bail application hearing is set for March 10, 2025, where the court will determine whether he should remain in detention or be released on bail pending trial.

Law enforcement officials have indicated that they oppose bail, citing the seriousness of the offense and the possibility that he could interfere with investigations or evade justice.

Public and Industry Reaction

The arrest has sent shockwaves through the security industry, particularly because G4S is a trusted security services provider known for handling large sums of cash and protecting high-value assets.

Many are questioning how one of their employees became involved in a crime of this nature, raising concerns about background checks and internal security measures within private security firms.

Hawks Urge Public to Assist in Finding Accomplice

With at least one suspect still on the run, the Hawks are urging the public to come forward with any information that could lead to his arrest.

“We are pursuing the remaining suspect and ask anyone with information to report it to law enforcement immediately,” Mhlakuvana stated.

Authorities have warned that anyone found assisting the fugitive could face serious legal consequences, including charges of aiding and abetting a criminal.

Conclusion

As the case develops, more details are expected to emerge about the extent of the crime, possible inside involvement, and security breaches that may have enabled it.

For now, the suspect remains behind bars, while law enforcement continues its hunt for the remaining accomplice. The outcome of the March 10 bail hearing will determine the next steps in this unfolding case.