According to Saps, the messages allegedly contained threats directed at the premier, as well as a direct threat to shoot the complainant.
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A 46-year-old man was arrested by police after he was found with threatening messages directed at the Western Cape premier, Alan Winde.
This arrest follows an investigation into intimidating messages the complainant received on 17 October 2026.
Alleged threats
According to the South African Police Service (Saps) the messages allegedly contained threats directed at the premier, as well as a direct threat to shoot the complainant.
Detectives from the Provincial Murder and Robbery Unit worked closely with Crime Intelligence to pursue several investigative leads to identify and trace the suspect.
After gathering and analysing relevant information, detectives obtained an arrest warrant.
Arrested today
The suspect was arrested at approximately 03:30am on Friday, 13 November 2026, at a premises in Kensington, Cape Town.
Police seized a cellular telephone believed to have been used in the commission of the offence.
The suspect faces charges relating to intimidation and contraventions of the Cybercrimes Act, 19 of 2020.
Charges and court
He is expected to appear in the Cape Town Magistrates’ Court today.
Western Cape police members said that they take threats and intimidation seriously, particularly where they are intended to undermine the safety of individuals or public representatives.
Saps concluded by warning that they will investigate such conduct through the appropriate legal processes.
