Pretoria – Three men briefly appeared in the Brooklyn Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 15 April 2026, following their arrest in Pretoria in connection with an alleged plan to facilitate illegal movement across the Limpopo River into Zimbabwe.
The accused include Stellio Gilles Robert Capo Chichi (45), his son Khonsou Seba Capo Chichi (18), and François van der Merwe.
“The accused, a father-and-son duo, as well as the facilitator, were nabbed in a sting operation at a shopping centre in Pretoria when the multi-disciplinary team followed up on information received,” police said.
“The intelligence indicated that the duo were being assisted by an individual who had been paid approximately R250 000 to help them move across the Limpopo River into Zimbabwe, with the intention to further proceed to Europe.
“Preliminary investigations have revealed that the father is allegedly a wanted fugitive in France and Benin for criminal activities relating to crimes against the state.”
Preliminary investigations have further indicated that the elder Capo Chichi is allegedly a wanted fugitive in France and Benin for crimes related to offences against the state.
Police also confirmed, with assistance from Interpol, that he is wanted in Benin.
During the arrests, law enforcement officials confiscated several cellphones and approximately R318 000 in cash.
The accused remain in custody.
Their case was postponed to 20 April 2026, while extradition processes are reportedly underway.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
