Two kidnapped victims were rescued, three suspects arrested and a hijacked vehicle recovered in KaBokweni on Thursday, June 4.

The arrests were made during a multidisciplinary operation conducted by the Provincial Anti-Hijacking Task Team in collaboration with a local private security company.

According to Mpumalanga police spokesperson Captain Mpho Nonyane-Mpe, officers acted on intelligence regarding a carjacking and kidnapping in the KaBokweni area and traced the suspects to a house in Manyeveni.

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“Upon searching the premises, three suspects aged between 28 and 35 were arrested, while two victims were found and safely rescued,” said Nonyane-Mpe.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects allegedly kidnapped the two victims and forced the male victim to transfer about R86 000 from his bank account. Police believe they intended to extort an even larger amount.

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During the operation, police recovered the victims’ white Ford Ranger at a tavern in Malekutu. Officers also seized two prohibited firearms, ammunition and several cellular phones.

The suspects face charges of carjacking, kidnapping, robbery with aggravating circumstances, possession of prohibited firearms and unlawful possession of ammunition.

The trio remains in custody and is expected to appear in court soon.