Two Suspects Arrested After Uber Driver Allegedly Kidnapped And Extorted At Katlehong Taxi Rank

Two men have been arrested after an Uber driver was allegedly kidnapped and forced to hand over money during an incident at a taxi rank in Katlehong, Gauteng.

The suspects, aged 45 and 50, were arrested on Saturday by members of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) and the Community Liaison Overloads and First Responding Unit (CLU).

Police say the incident unfolded at the Old Natalspruit Taxi Rank, where the driver claimed he was held against his will and threatened with a firearm.

Uber Driver Allegedly Kidnapped And Extorted In Katlehong

According to reports, officers responded to a complaint and met the Uber driver at a petrol station on the corner of Hospital Street and Kgotso Street.

The driver alleged that members of a taxi association had held him hostage at gunpoint before demanding money in exchange for his release.

He reportedly handed over R150, telling the suspects it was all the cash he had at the time.

The complainant also informed officers that he would be able to identify those involved.

EMPD Officers Arrest Two Suspects After Taxi Rank Chase

Accompanied by the Uber driver, officers returned to the Old Natalspruit Taxi Rank in search of the alleged suspects.

Two of the four men were positively identified by the complainant.

Police said the suspects attempted to flee in different directions after noticing officers approaching them. Following a foot chase, both men were arrested and taken to the Katlehong Police Station.

The suspects are expected to appear in the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court on charges of kidnapping and extortion.

Four Durban Metro Police Officers Suspended Over Extortion Allegations

In a separate incident, four officers from the Durban Metropolitan Police Service (DMPS) have been arrested over allegations of extortion involving a businessman in the KwaSanti area.

The officers were arrested on 15 June 2026 following an investigation, and a criminal case is being investigated by the South African Police Service.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Malawian Man Killed After Anti-Immigration March Turns Violent In Pietermaritzburg

They appeared before the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court on Friday, where they were granted bail.

The DMPS has since suspended the officers pending the outcome of the criminal investigation and internal disciplinary processes.

Colonel Boysie Zungu said the Durban Metro Police maintains a zero-tolerance stance on corruption, extortion and any other criminal conduct involving its members.

He also encouraged members of the public to report incidents of corruption or misconduct by law enforcement officials through the appropriate reporting channels.