An Eastern Cape woman is expected to appear in the East London Magistrates Court on Thursday for allegedly orchestrating her own kidnapping last year.
Police Spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Avele Fumba says on 13 October 2024, a distressed complainant reported that his girlfriend had been kidnapped.
He says the boyfriend said he had received alarming images, including video clips of his 34-year-old girlfriend tied up, with her mouth sealed shut with tape, and soon after, a ransom demand followed.
Lt Col Fumba says the complainant contacted his girlfriend's sister, who confirmed receiving the same disturbing images from the same number.
He says the matter was escalated to the Hawks, whose Kidnapping Task Team exposed a shocking twist.
According to police, the so-called victim was allegedly part of the kidnapping plan with the deliberate intention of extorting money from her family and boyfriend.
Lt Col Fumba says the suspects were allegedly going to split the money.
He says she was arrested on Wednesday, marking a significant breakthrough in the case. He says more arrests are imminent.
