Woman arrested in Soweto over alleged kidnapping and R55,000 extortion of Free State pensioner - IOL

A 37-year-old woman linked to the alleged kidnapping and extortion of a Welkom pensioner was arrested at Jabulani Hostel in Soweto on Tuesday morning.

A 37-year-old woman has been arrested in Soweto in connection with the alleged kidnapping and extortion of a 67-year-old pensioner who was lured to a meeting in Welkom over a purported job opportunity before R55,000 was allegedly taken from him.

The woman, who had previously been identified and circulated by police as a person of interest in the case, was arrested at Jabulani Hostel at about 5am on Tuesday, September 29, 2026.

The arrest was carried out by the Free State Provincial Organised Crime Unit, assisted by Tactical Response Team members from Welkom and Zamdela.

Police said the case dates back to August 14, when the pensioner met the woman in a parking area in Potgieter Street, Dagbreek, Welkom, to discuss what he believed was a prospective job opportunity.

According to police, two unidentified men allegedly posing as police officers arrived shortly after the meeting and took both the pensioner and the woman.

“The alleged female suspect was reportedly dropped off outside Thabong Police Station,” police said.

The pensioner, however, allegedly remained with the two men and was forced to hand over his bank cards.

“The victim was then instructed to provide his bank cards, and money was withdrawn from his bank account,” police said.

The ordeal allegedly continued when the pensioner was forced to enter a bank and transfer money into two separate accounts.

Police said a total of R55,000 was allegedly extorted from the victim.

After the money was transferred, the pensioner was allegedly dropped off at an Engen filling station.

He subsequently reported the matter to police, who opened a case of kidnapping and extortion. The investigation was handed over to the Provincial Organised Crime Unit.

“The alleged suspect was then identified as a person of interest,” police said.

Investigators later received information about the woman's whereabouts and launched an operation to track her down.

“On Tuesday, September 29, 2026, police operationalised information received on the whereabouts of the alleged suspect,” police said.

She was subsequently traced to Jabulani Hostel in Soweto, where she was arrested in the early hours of Tuesday.

The 37-year-old woman is expected to appear in the Welkom Magistrate’s Court soon on charges of kidnapping and extortion.