Yakhe Kwinana’s Reign of Terror Ends: Former SAA Board Member Arrested for Extortion, Property Demolition
Community Relief as ‘Reign of Terror’ Halts: Victims Detail Decades of Fear
From Boardroom to Courtroom: The Charges Behind Kwinana’s Reign of Terror
The arrest of former South African Airways (SAA) board member Yakhe Kwinana, 57, has sent shockwaves through the Eastern Cape. Locals describe this as the end of a decades-long “reign of terror.” Kwinana, known by the infamous nickname “Fat Cake” for her alleged ruthless tactics, faces multiple charges. These charges include extortion, intimidation, demolition of private properties, taxi violence, and illegal firearm possession.
Her arrest on March 18 followed a high-profile Hawks investigation. This event has ignited a flood of testimonies from victims. They claim her alleged crimes shattered livelihoods and instilled paralysing fear in communities.
Community Relief as ‘Reign of Terror’ Halts
Residents in Kwinana’s hometown of Mdantsane erupted in celebration this week as news of her arrest spread. For years, the former SAA board member allegedly wielded her influence to extort businesses. She bulldozed homes and dominated the taxi industry through violence. “She treated this place like her kingdom. If you refused to pay her, your shop would be gone by morning. Your house even have been targeted for demolition,” said Sipho Dlamini. He is a spaza shop owner. He claims that Kwinana’s henchmen demolished his store in 2022. They did this after he resisted weekly “protection” payments.
Her arrest is a breakthrough in dismantling organised crime rings exploiting the taxi industry.
The Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit confirmed Kwinana’s alleged operation relied on a network of enforcers. This network included taxi associations linked to fatal clashes. “Her arrest is a breakthrough in dismantling organised crime rings exploiting the taxi industry,” said Hawks spokesperson Captain Siyabonga Mdluli. “We’ve linked her to multiple cases of arson, armed intimidation, and forced property demolitions dating back to 2018.”
Court documents reveal Kwinana allegedly ordered bulldozers to crush homes and businesses of those who defied her demands. Nomvula Mbatha, a widow from Scenery Park, recounted how her family’s four-room house was reduced to rubble in 2023. “She wanted my land for a taxi rank. When I said no, she laughed and told me, ‘You’ll sleep in the dust.’ The next day, they came with machines while I was at work. I lost everything,” Mbatha said, clutching photos of the wreckage.
From Boardroom to Courtroom: The Charges Behind Kwinana’s Reign of Terror
Kwinana’s fall from corporate grace to a prison cell has captured the nation. She was once a respected figure in aviation. Her 2015–2019 tenure on the SAA board contrasts starkly with charges of racketeering and corruption. Investigators allege she funnelled state resources into her criminal empire, using SAA contracts to launder money and bankroll illegal activities.
Her arrest follows a two-year probe into taxi violence in Buffalo City. Rival associations accused Kwinana of funding attacks to eliminate competition. “She’d attend meetings with a gun. She would slap it on the table and say, ‘Pay up or die,’” claimed a taxi owner who requested anonymity. “Many drivers disappeared. We knew she was behind it, but who would dare speak?”
Kwinana faces 14 charges, including contravening the Prevention of Organised Crime Act, extortion, malicious property damage, and unlawful firearm possession. During her March 19 court appearance, the state opposed bail, citing witness safety concerns. National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Luxolo Tyali warned, “This is just the tip of the iceberg. We’re building a watertight case to guarantee her reign of terror ends here.”
Victims Break Silence: “We Lived Like Prisoners”
Since Kwinana’s arrest, over 30 victims have approached authorities with fresh allegations. At a press conference organised by the Social Justice Coalition, Mdantsane resident Bongani Zulu spoke. He described how Kwinana’s enforcers kidnapped his brother in 2021. This happened after his brother refused to surrender his taxi route. “They beat him for days until our family sold our minibus to pay her ransom. We’ve been rebuilding ever since,” Zulu said.
She treated this place like her kingdom. If you refused to pay her, your shop would be gone by morning.
Others recalled Kwinana’s penchant for theatrics. “She’d arrive in a black SUV with darkened windows, surrounded by bodyguards. Everyone froze when she stepped out,” said a Scenery Park community leader. “Her voice alone terrified people into submission.”
The Long Road to Justice
While victims celebrate Kwinana’s arrest, many demand accountability for law enforcement’s delayed response. “We reported her crimes for years, but nothing happened. Why did it take so long?” asked Mbatha. Civil society groups allege Kwinana’s political connections shielded her, a claim the SAPS denies.
Kwinana’s case has been postponed to April 15 for a formal bail application. If convicted, she will face up to 25 years in prison. For now, residents savour a fragile peace. “We’re finally free,” said Dlamini. “But we’ll never forget what she did.”
FAQs About Yakhe Kwinana’s Arrest and Alleged Crimes
What charges does Yakhe Kwinana face?
Yakhe Kwinana faces 14 charges, including extortion, malicious property damage, racketeering, and illegal firearm possession. She is also accused of orchestrating taxi violence and demolishing homes and businesses to enforce her alleged extortion schemes.
Why is Kwinana nicknamed “Fat Cake”?
The nickname “Fat Cake” arises from her alleged ruthless tactics. She would “squeeze” victims for money or property. This is much like the way oil is squeezed out of a fat cake during frying. It became a symbol of her dominance and intimidation in the Eastern Cape.
How did Kwinana’s alleged crimes affect communities?
Victims claim Kwinana’s reign of terror left many homeless, jobless, and traumatized. She allegedly used violence, demolished properties, and extorted residents. This created a climate of fear. Residents were too scared to report her activities to authorities.
What role did the taxi industry play in her alleged crimes?
Kwinana is accused of using her influence to dominate the taxi industry through violence and intimidation. She allegedly funded attacks on rival taxi associations and extorted money from drivers, leading to fatal clashes and widespread instability.
What happens next in Kwinana’s case?
Kwinana’s case has been postponed to April 15 for a formal bail application. The state opposes bail. They cite witness safety concerns. The NPA has vowed to build a strong case. They want to guarantee her alleged reign of terror ends with a conviction.
