Nigerian Man Arrested in South Africa for Alleged Key Theft and Extortion Scheme

A Nigerian national, Prince Calvin Jackson, has been arrested in South Africa over a series of alleged theft and extortion incidents targeting auto repair workshops in Cape Town and Gauteng.

Jackson is accused of posing as a job seeker to gain access to panel beaters’ workshops, where he allegedly stole multiple car keys from key storage rooms. He then reportedly demanded ransom payments of R1,000 per key from the workshop owners to return the stolen items.

Investigators believe the scheme began in 2023 and spanned several provinces, with at least five panel beaters falling victim. One workshop owner in Centurion, Tshwane, recounted how Jackson presented himself as a skilled auto repair technician before stealing seven keys. “He later called and demanded R8,000. I paid R3,000, but I couldn’t pay the rest, so I contacted the police,” the victim said.

The theft forced the workshop to notify clients and offer key replacements. “Fortunately, our clients were understanding due to our longstanding relationship,” the business owner added.

Gauteng police spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko confirmed Jackson’s arrest, noting that he has been linked to at least four similar cases. In Cape Town, a separate case involving Jackson was registered at the Strand Police Station, according to Lieutenant Colonel Malcolm Pojie.

Police say one of the reported incidents occurred on March 3, 2025, when Jackson allegedly left a workshop with six car keys after a job interview. Investigations into the full extent of his alleged activities are ongoing.