'Big Five' implicated in kidnappings for ransom

Cartel has infiltrated law enforcement and politicians

- By Setumo Stone

Athlenda Mathe

The notorious “Big Five” cartel, which the South African police alleges specialises in drug trafficking and contract killings, is also implicated in a series of brazen cases of abductions, intimidations and extortions.

The sophisticated crime syndicate has been allegedly involved in the kidnappings and abductions of prominent business figures and their families in exchange for ransoms.

The underworld mafiosi were linked to the 2022 kidnapping case of Nkangala District Municipality manager Maggie Skhosana, the 2024 incidents of Nqobile Dikgale and her son, as well as the disappearance of Pretoria businessman Jerry Boshoga.

The alleged kidnapping operations, described by law enforcement officials as ruthless and cruel, point to a criminal enterprise that is leveraging its alleged infiltration of state institutions to operate with impunity.

Pressed for comment on the gang's alleged involvement in kidnappings and extortions, police national spokesperson Brig Athlenda Mathe said she was unable to venture into details because their investigations into these cases are at a sensitive stage.

"All matters referred to are under investigation. We cannot comment or divulge any information at this stage as investigations have reached a sensitive stage," she said.