In a digital age where words can travel faster than ever, a single voice message has set off alarm bells at the highest level of government.
A 28-year-old man from Germiston, Gauteng, has found himself at the centre of a national security scare after allegedly threatening President Cyril Ramaphosa and several others in a chilling voice note.
The arrest, made on Friday, 23 May, was confirmed by the Hawks’ Crime Against The State (CATS) unit, which is part of the Serious Organised Crime Investigation division.
Chilling Message Leads to Fast-Tracked Investigation
The story began earlier this month when the CEO of a company in Cape Town received a disturbing voice note.
In it, the man allegedly made direct threats—not only aimed at President Ramaphosa but also at the complainant herself, her family, and the Executive Mayor of Cape Town.
The Hawks shared that the voice message was not an isolated incident.
“The suspect is also alleged to have sent multiple threatening messages,” officials said, pointing to a broader pattern of intimidation that could not be ignored.
Police Track Down the Suspect Across Provinces
Once the complaint was filed on 12 May, the Hawks’ Cape Town-based CATS unit kicked into gear.
Their investigation quickly led them to Germiston in Gauteng, where they managed to locate and arrest the suspect.
Authorities described the operation as swift and coordinated, crediting good teamwork across regions.
Fortunately, the arrest happened without any confrontation.
The suspect is now being transferred to Cape Town, where he will face legal proceedings.
Court Appearance Scheduled for Intimidation Charges
The man is expected to make his first court appearance on Monday, 26 May, at the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court.
According to the Hawks, he’ll be formally charged with intimidation—though further charges may follow depending on the outcome of the ongoing investigation.
Public Safety and High-Profile Threats Back in the Spotlight
While the motive behind the threats remains unclear for now, the situation has reignited concerns about the safety of public figures and the use of digital platforms for criminal activity.
The incident shows just how easily technology can be turned into a tool for harassment—and why law enforcement must remain a step ahead.
This case has sparked wider questions about how South Africa is dealing with online threats, especially those targeting key figures in government and business.
Should there be stronger digital monitoring laws? Are current penalties enough to act as a deterrent?