The group is accused of conspiracy to commit crime and violation of the Immigration Act.
The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) has arrested French-born Beninese activist Kemi Seba, his son and a South African man allegedly acting as a facilitator after they allegedly paid him R250,000 to enter Zimbabwe illegally.
Seba, whose real name is Stelio Gilles Robert Capo Chichi, his 18-year-old son Khonsou Seba Capo Chichi and François van der Merwe appeared briefly in Brooklyn Magistrates Court on Thursday.
The group is accused of conspiracy to commit crime and violation of the Immigration Act.
Seba, a politician, Pan-African leader and activist, is known for his anti-Western and anti-imperialist sentiments. He also heads the non-governmental organization Pan-Africanist Emergency.
Seba, his son and an alleged SA facilitator were arrested on Monday
The three were caught on Monday following an intelligence operation in Pretoria. The operation involved counter terrorism from the Directorate of Investigation of Priority Crimes Against State (CATS), Hawks Tactical Operations Management Section and Crime Intelligence.
Law enforcement received information about the facility of illegal movement into Zimbabwe through the Limpopo River.
Hawks spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale said the multi-disciplinary team acted on information received. They caught the father-son duo and Van der Merwe during a sting operation in a shopping center in Pretoria.
R250 000 to cross the Limpopo River in Zimbabwe
“Intelligence suggests that the two were being facilitated by a man who was paid approximately R250,000 to help them cross the Limpopo River into Zimbabwe with the intention of going to Europe,” Mogale said.
Mogale said that, according to preliminary investigations, Seba is reportedly a wanted fugitive in France and Benin.
During the arrest, the team seized cellphones and approximately R318,000.
Mogale said, “The Hawks, with the assistance of Interpol, can confirm that Stelio Gilles Robert Capo Chichi is indeed a wanted fugitive in Benin in connection with crimes against the state.”
On 7 December 2025, Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri led rebels of the Benin Armed Forces (FAB) in attacks on authorities and the presidential palace. He then announced the ouster of Beninese President Patrice Talon on the state broadcaster.
Wanted in Benin for allegedly supporting a coup attempt
Loyalist forces, with support from Nigeria and France, foiled the coup attempt within hours.
Seba was a candidate in the 2026 Beninese presidential election. He expressed his support for the coup while it continued.
Subsequently, the Beninese government issued a Arrest warrant for Seba in December 2025.
Meanwhile, in 2024, France revokes Seba's French nationality Because authorities said he spread anti-French sentiment. He also said that he incited rebellion and showed “blatant disloyalty” through his criticism of France's presence in Africa.
The Brooklyn Magistrate's Court adjourned the case until April 20 and remanded the suspects in custody. Subsequent extradition processes are now underway.
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