Five arrested over alleged kidnap, rape of e-hailing driver in Cape Town

South African police have arrested five suspects, including two women, over the alleged kidnapping and rape of a 25-year-old e-hailing driver in Cape Town.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) said the suspects allegedly abducted the driver after he went to meet one of the women he had previously met through his work as an e-hailing driver.

According to a statement issued by SAPS on Sunday, Steenberg police rescued the victim after his brother alerted authorities that the suspects had contacted him and demanded R4,000 for the driver’s release.

Police said officers subsequently tracked the victim using the tracker installed in his vehicle and located him at Southampton Road in Heathfield.

The suspects comprise two women, aged 23 and 34, and three men aged 16, 42 and 48.

How the alleged abduction happened

SAPS said the victim met one of the female suspects the previous week while carrying out his e-hailing business.

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The two allegedly exchanged telephone numbers and continued communicating before agreeing to meet.

Police said the driver went to the agreed location believing he was meeting the woman, but was allegedly abducted after his arrival.

“When he went to meet her, he was kidnapped by the suspects and the females raped him,” police said.

The victim was allegedly held captive while the suspects contacted his brother and demanded R4,000 as ransom for his release.

His brother’s decision to alert the police triggered the rescue operation.

Police track victim to Heathfield

Following the report, Steenberg police reportedly used the vehicle’s tracking system to establish the victim’s location.

Officers eventually traced the vehicle and found the 25-year-old at Southampton Road in Heathfield, where he was rescued.

The five suspects were subsequently arrested and are expected to appear before the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court on Monday, September 14, 2026.

Police did not disclose further details about the investigation or whether additional suspects were being sought.

The case highlights the potential risks faced by e-hailing drivers who meet passengers or contacts outside conventional ride arrangements.

The allegations, including kidnapping, rape and extortion, remain subject to judicial determination. The suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.