A Kwa-Thema woman was arrested on October 20, following a case of kidnapping opened by her family on October 7 after they received a call from an unknown man demanding a sum of R40 000 for the release of their daughter.

The woman was charged with defying the ends of justice and is expected to stand in front of the Magistrates Court on October 22.

According to station commander Colonel Nhlanhla Kunene, the matter was swiftly reported to the provincial head office and a task team of negotiators, dogs and tracing experts was deployed.

Kunene stated that Kwa-Thema SAPS Detective Sergeant Gule, who led the investigation, left no stone unturned in his aim to locate the alleged kidnappers and bring the victim home safely.

“The family was contacted numerous times by the kidnappers and threatened to cut off the limbs if the ransom was not delivered as instructed.

“The team worked nonstop, following each lead and exhausting all available resources at their disposal,” said Kunene.

Kunene explained that the investigation continued and on October 10, Gule received a call from the family of the victim that the alleged kidnappers had dropped her off along Vlakfontein Road.

The victim was recovered and rushed to hospital for immediate medical treatment. The victim alleged that on the day of the kidnapping, she left home and got into a taxi and drove off.

She further alleged that whilst in the taxi with the driver and another passenger, the passenger pointed a firearm at her and threatened her if she didn’t cooperate and drive to an unknown place.

Kunene said that when detectives arranged to take down the victim’s statement, the victim’s sister called to say she was nowhere to be found. Detectives conducted another search following all possible leads.

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He added that on October 20, the victim’s husband came to the station along with the victim and it was revealed that she had staged the whole thing along with two other accomplices, one of whom was her boyfriend.

Kunene commended the swift action by the task team led by Gule, which led to the arrest of all the suspects in this bogus kidnapping following the recent spate of deaths of women in and around Ekurhuleni.

He further said that this shows the readiness and competence of Kwa-Thema Police members in the fight against all crime and more especially gender-based crime and Femicide.

He also warned members of the public who open false cases, which waste police resources, and said they will be prosecuted.

“All reported cases will be investigated on their merits and no person will be turned away at the police station without first receiving service,” concluded Kunene.

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