A 33-year-old former South African Police Service sergeant has been arrested in connection with the alleged kidnapping of a couple in Botshabelo, where suspects reportedly posed as police officers, demanded money and took the victims’ vehicle.
The former officer was already out on bail in a separate business robbery matter when he was arrested in an intelligence-led operation involving the Mangaung Metro Operational Command Centre Crime Combating Unit, Provincial Counter Intelligence and Selosesha Crime Intelligence.
Free State police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Covane said the suspect was also accused of impersonating police officials during the incident. The allegations have not been tested in court, and the identities of the couple and the other suspects have not been released.
Couple allegedly taken from Botshabelo home
According to police, the incident happened at about 23:30 on 23 October 2026, when a group of people allegedly entered a house in A-Section, Botshabelo. Some of those involved were reportedly wearing police reflector jackets.
The couple were allegedly told that they were being arrested. Police said the victims were then blindfolded and forced into a white Volkswagen Polo Vivo. Their grey Toyota Corolla was also taken and driven to an address that has not been disclosed.
“They kidnapped two victims, a couple, under the pretext that they were being arrested,” Covane said.
The account raises concerns about the use of police clothing and the authority associated with law enforcement to gain access to a private home. Police have not said whether the clothing or any other items used during the alleged incident have been recovered.
Bank alerts raised the alarm
The victims’ family members were alerted the following day after their bank detected suspicious large withdrawals from the couple’s account. The bank reportedly could not reach the account holders to confirm whether the transactions were legitimate.
When the family eventually made contact, the victims allegedly said they were at a hotel in Bloemfontein and would return on the Sunday. Police said the couple were speaking under pressure at the time.
The victims were released on Sunday, but they did not immediately approach the police. Covane said the suspects had allegedly threatened to kill the couple and their family members if the incident was reported.
An undisclosed amount of money was allegedly extorted from the couple. The available police account does not state how much was withdrawn or whether any of the money has been recovered.
Case opened after victims were released
The matter was formally reported at Botshabelo police station on Monday, 26 October. At about 09:30 that day, Provincial Crime Intelligence shared information with the Mangaung Metro Operational Command Centre Crime Combating Unit, leading to the operation that resulted in the former officer’s arrest.
The arrest followed co-operation between metropolitan operational investigators and intelligence structures within the province. Police have not provided details about where the suspect was arrested, whether other members of the group have been detained, or the current status of the two vehicles.
- The alleged incident took place in A-Section, Botshabelo, late on 23 October.
- The couple were reportedly taken under the pretence of an arrest and threatened after their release.
- A 33-year-old former SAPS sergeant, already on bail in a business robbery case, has been arrested.
- The case was opened at Botshabelo police station on 26 October.
What residents should know
Police impersonation can make it difficult for residents to determine whether people claiming to be officers are acting lawfully. Members of the public who are confronted by people purporting to be police officials should, where it is safe to do so, seek confirmation through the relevant police station or emergency channels rather than relying only on uniforms or reflective jackets.
Residents should also remain alert to unusual requests for banking information, forced transfers or unexplained withdrawals. Families who cannot reach relatives after a suspicious financial alert should report the matter to the bank and SAPS as soon as possible, while preserving transaction records and other information that may assist investigators.
The former officer remains an accused person, not a convicted criminal. Any further charges, bail proceedings or court dates would need to be confirmed through the relevant authorities. Police investigations into the alleged kidnapping, extortion, impersonation and vehicle theft are continuing.
