Threats against Western Cape Premier Alan Winde have led police to a property in Kensington, Cape Town, where a 46-year-old man was arrested in an early-morning operation on Friday.
The arrest follows an investigation into intimidating text messages allegedly targeting the Premier, including a direct threat to shoot the complainant. Police also seized a cellphone believed to have been used in the offence.
The messages were received by the complainant on 17 October 2026, prompting an investigation by detectives from the Provincial Murder and Robbery Unit and Crime Intelligence.
Western Cape police spokesperson Colonel Andre Traut said: “The arrest follows an investigation into intimidating text messages received by the complainant on 17 October 2026. The messages allegedly contained threats directed at the Premier, as well as a direct threat to shoot the complainant.”
Police trace suspect to Kensington
“Detectives from the Provincial Murder and Robbery Unit, working closely with Crime Intelligence, pursued several investigative leads to identify and trace the suspect. Following the gathering and analysis of relevant information, an arrest warrant was obtained.”
“The suspect was arrested at approximately 03:30 on Friday, 13 November 2026, at a premises in Kensington, Cape Town. A cellular telephone believed to have been used in the commission of the offence was seized,” Traut confirmed.
Suspect expected in Cape Town court
The suspect is facing charges relating to intimidation and contraventions of the Cybercrimes Act, 19 of 2020.
He is expected to appear in the Cape Town Magistrates’ Court on Friday, November 13, 2026.
“Western Cape police take threats and intimidation seriously, particularly where they are intended to undermine the safety of individuals or public representatives. Such conduct will be investigated and dealt with through the appropriate legal processes.”
Staff Reporter
iol.co.za