Police arrested a 31-year-old man and charged him with defeating the ends of justice after he allegedly staged his own kidnapping to extort his father.
Court Postpones Bail for Man Who Faked Own Kidnapping
The KwaDukuza Magistrate’s Court postponed the case of Sisey Tarakegn, who staged his own abduction to extort R3 million from his father.
The court scheduled the next hearing for 16 April 2025 for a formal bail application.
Staged Kidnapping Unravelled by Investigators
According to South African Police Services, on Wednesday, 9 April 2025, investigators arrested Sisey Tarakegn after they uncovered that he had staged his own abduction.
KZN police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Sibu Ncane, stated that Tarakegn “contacted his brother from a private number. Claiming kidnappers had abducted him and demanding a ransom of R3 million from their father.”
A coordinated effort from multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Hawks’ Durban Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit. National Priority Violence Crimes unit, Tracking Team, Provincial Tactical Response Team, and eThekwini Hostage Negotiators, led to an immediate response.
Their investigation directed them to the East of Eden Lodge in Blythedale, about 70 km up the coast from Durban. Upon arrival, they discovered that Tarakegn had checked in under false pretenses.
Investigators quickly confirmed that no kidnapping had occurred. The suspect had staged the incident to extort money from his family.
The accused now faces charges of defeating the ends of justice.
Praise for coordinated law enforcement
The KwaZulu-Natal Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation Provincial Head, Major General (Dr) Lesetja Senona, commended the collaborative effort of the various units involved.
“I commend the outstanding teamwork exhibited by all agencies involved in apprehending Sisey Tarakegn,” said Senona.
Would you call the police or handle it privately if a relative demanded ransom like this?
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