The Free State Provincial Organised Crime Investigation Unit is investigating a case of kidnapping and extortion. This is after a 67-year-old pensioner was kidnapped and money was demanded from him. Police are therefore requesting assistance from the public to locate the female who has been identified as a person of interest.
It is alleged that on Friday, 14 August 2026 at about 12:00 the victim had scheduled an appointment to meet with a female identified as Selloane. On the said date the meeting about a prospective job opportunity was held in the parking area in Potgieter street Dagbreek. The meeting was allegedly held inside a vehicle driven by Selloane.
Shortly after the meeting had commenced two unknown African males approached Selloane’s vehicle. They allegedly pulled both the victim and Selloane out of the vehicle before identifying themselves as police officials.
They indicated that they were placing Selloane under arrest. They took both Selloane and the victim and placed them inside a white double cab.
The males dropped Selloane off outside Thabong police station before driving off with the victim to Odendaalsrus. On arrival at Odendaalsrus they allegedly parked on the side of the road. The suspects then demanded money from the victim threatening to take him to prison if he does not comply.
Out of fear the victim provided the suspects with his bank card and money was withdrawn from his bank account. The suspects demanded more money and instructed the victim to go inside the bank with one of the suspects and transfer more money into two separate bank accounts.
The victim was extorted an amount of fifty five thousand rands (R55 000). Investigation is underway and no arrests have been made yet. After the transactions were completed the victim was returned to Welkom and dropped off at Engen filling station.
The female depicted in the attached photo has been identified as a person of interest. It is believed she may be able to assist with police investigations.
Police urge anyone with information that could help locate the person of interest or assist with investigations to come forward. Detective Sergeant Kabelo Molebatsi of the Provincial organised crime investigation unit can be contacted on cellphone number 072 190 7271.
Alternatively, information can be shared by contacting the #CrimeStop number on 08600 10111 or sending an anonymous tip-off on the #MySAPSApp.
