Five suspects have been arrested on charges of kidnapping and extortion after a coordinated intelligence-driven operation by a multi-disciplinary law enforcement team rescued two victims.

The arrests stem from the kidnapping of a 47-year-old woman, who was abducted on June 17 while on her way to the gym in Edenvale.

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According to SAPS, the victim’s husband received a R2m ransom demand on June 18 for her safe release.
A multi-disciplinary team was soon mobilised and through further intelligence gathering, investigators identified two vehicles believed to have been used in the kidnapping and placed them under surveillance.

On June 23, a drop-off point for the ransom was agreed upon and a trap was set for the suspects.

Members from various law enforcement agencies strategically positioned themselves nearby and arrested two suspects who arrived to collect the money.

Three additional suspects, who were waiting nearby in a separate vehicle, were also taken into custody.
Police recovered multiple cell phones from the suspects.

The investigation then led officers to two kidnapping victims; this included the 47-year-old woman and another44-year-old woman who had reportedly been kidnapped in Germiston on June 19.

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

Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni praised the multi-disciplinary team participating in the Eyes and Ears (E2) project for the successful operation.

“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 five suspects, aged between 28 and 45, are expected to appear in court soon.

They face charges of kidnapping and extortion.