A co-ordinated intelligence-driven operation by the South African Police Service (SAPS) has led to the arrest of five suspected kidnappers and the rescue of two victims.

The arrests followed the kidnapping of a 47-year-old woman on June 17 while she was reportedly on her way to a gym in Edenvale.

According to a statement by SAPS, the woman’s husband later received a ransom demand of R2m for her safe release.

A multidisciplinary team was immediately mobilised, with intelligence units tracing two vehicles allegedly linked to the kidnapping. The vehicles were placed under surveillance as investigations intensified.

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On June 23, a ransom drop-off was arranged. Law enforcement officers strategically positioned themselves and arrested two suspects who arrived to collect the money.

Three additional suspects, who were stationed nearby in a separate vehicle, were also arrested. Police recovered several cellphones believed to be linked to the alleged criminal activity.

Further investigations led officers to two kidnapping victims who had been held in separate incidents. One of the victims, a 44-year-old woman, was kidnapped in Germiston on June 19.

Both victims sustained minor injuries and received medical treatment before being reunited with their families.

Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, Tommy Mthombeni, praised the joint efforts of SAPS units, the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department and private security companies participating in the Eyes and Ears project.

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“This collaboration has proven to be fruitful, and we will continue to work together in the fight against crime and maximise police visibility for the safety of the people of Gauteng,” said Mthombeni.

The suspects, aged between 28 and 45, are expected to appear in court on charges of kidnapping and extortion.