EASTERN CAPE – An off-duty police constable has safely survived a harrowing kidnapping and robbery ordeal in Gqeberha, authorities confirmed. The incident unfolded late at night at a Mount Croix guesthouse, prompting a swift and comprehensive manhunt for the perpetrators.
According to a police spokesperson, the event occurred on 17 August 2026 at approximately 23:30. Three unidentified suspects entered a guesthouse on Buckingham Road, initially demanding cash from the occupants. When their financial demands were unmet, the suspects proceeded to rob the individuals of their personal items.
The spokesperson detailed that the assailants ordered all guesthouse rooms to be opened. During this search, they confiscated various tenant possessions, including a television set. It was during this process that the suspects discovered one of the tenants was a serving police official.
Upon realizing the tenant’s profession, the suspects escalated their actions. They seized the constable’s personal effects, bound and blindfolded him, and forced him into their vehicle before speeding away from the Mount Croix property.
Fortunately, the abducted officer was subsequently released and is currently receiving the necessary support services to recover from the traumatic event. A police spokesperson affirmed that a specialized investigative team has been activated to track down those responsible and ensure they are brought to justice. The exact circumstances and motives behind the targeted attack remain under active investigation.
