The Western Cape police’s anti-kidnapping multidisciplinary task team is investigating the hijacking, kidnapping, and robbery of UDM deputy president Nqabayomzi Kwankwa.
Kwankwa was released on Tuesday after his party paid a R10 000 ransom.
According to Brigadier Novela Potelwa, a spokesperson for the Western Cape police, armed suspects hijacked Kwankwa on Tuesday afternoon in Driftsands, Mfuleni, and robbed him.
“The Western Cape anti-kidnapping multidisciplinary task team, comprising organised crime and DPCI [Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation] investigators as well as crime intelligence, is currently piecing together details following an incident where a 44-year-old man was allegedly hijacked, kidnapped, and robbed by armed suspects in Driftsands, Mfuleni, on Tuesday afternoon,” said Potela.
“Allegedly, after the ordeal, the victim was dropped off in Lingelethu West, Khayelitsha, where he made his way to a police station in the area to report the crime.
“His vehicle has since been recovered in the Khayelitsha area.”
Potelwa said an investigation continues, and no arrests have been made.
R10 000 ransom paid
UDM leader Bantu Holomisa said Kwankwa was kidnapped on his way to the Cape Town International Airport en route to the inauguration of President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
“The United Democratic Movement would like to confirm that its deputy president, Nqabayomzi Kwankwa, was kidnapped on his way to Cape Town Airport en route to the presidential inauguration,” said Holomisa.
“A ransom of R10 000 was demanded for his safe return. The UDM paid the ransom, and Mr Kwankwa was safely released, albeit shaken and traumatised.
“All his belongings, including his vehicle, were stolen.”
He said Kwankwa is in contact with the police, and his family has been informed of what has occurred.
“The UDM is saddened by this horrific event but is very grateful for his safe return. We wish Tshawe [Kwankwa’s clan name] well on his road to recovery from this dastardly incident.”
The parliament added its voice to concerns following Kwankwa’s ordeal.
Sworn in as one of UDM MPs
“Parliament is deeply shocked and concerned by the kidnapping of Mr Nqabayomzi Kwankwa, a member of parliament and the deputy president of the United Democratic Movement,” it said.
“We are relieved at his subsequent rescue and release following this traumatic ordeal.
“This act of criminality is deeply troubling, and parliament calls on law-enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into this attack and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.
“We extend our full support to Mr Kwankwa, and our thoughts are with him as he comes to terms with the trauma of this incident.”
During Friday’s first sitting of the National Assembly, Kwankwa was sworn in as one of three UDM MPs.
