CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA – Prince Calvin Jackson, a Nigerian national, was arrested last week after allegedly carrying out a daring theft and extortion scheme across Cape Town and Gauteng. Jackson is accused of stealing car keys from auto workshops and then blackmailing the business owners to pay a ransom for their return.
According to investigators, Jackson posed as a job seeker, entering panel beaters’ workshops across the regions. Once inside, he would sneak into key storage areas, steal multiple car keys, and later contact the workshop owners, demanding R1,000 per key in exchange for their return.
Authorities believe Jackson’s criminal activities began in 2023, with more than five workshops falling victim to his scheme. A victim from Centurion, Tshwane, recounted how Jackson claimed to be an experienced auto repairer and stole seven keys from his shop. Afterward, Jackson allegedly demanded R8,000, but the victim was only able to pay R3,000 and turned to the police for assistance.
“We had to inform our clients and offer to cut new keys for them,” the panel beater said. “Luckily, they understood because they’ve known me over the years.”
A police source revealed that Jackson is believed to be linked to more than four similar cases. Gauteng police spokesperson Capt Tintswalo Sibeko confirmed the arrest, and Cape Town police spokesperson Lt-Col Malcolm Pojie stated that Jackson is also connected to a similar case filed with the Strand police.
The theft in question, which occurred on March 3, 2025, involved Jackson entering a workshop under the pretense of seeking employment and stealing six car keys.
Jackson’s arrest marks the end of a string of extortion incidents that had been causing considerable concern among local workshop owners. The police are continuing their investigations into the full scope of his alleged criminal activities.
