Police are searching for an unknown number of people linked to the kidnapping and robbery of four people in Akasia, Tshwane, along the R80.

According to an article published by Pretoria Rekord, the search follows police rescuing the victims, including a Gauteng traffic warden, in Hammanskraal on Tuesday.

Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi says the Gauteng Traffic Police Airwing was roped in to assist with the search for the victims.

The airwing’s expertise was needed after police received a tip-off indicating that the victims were being held hostage in Stinkwater, north of Pretoria.

“The victims were allegedly abducted by unknown [people] driving a Quantum vehicle,” says Nevhuhulwi.

Nevhuhulwi explains that the victims were forced to give them access to their bank accounts using their cellphone banking apps. She says the alleged kidnappers made unauthorised transactions.

“They also swiped some funds at a local mall.”

The airwing team spotted the victims on the street after they were released.

Nevhuhulwi says it’s believed the alleged kidnappers realised they were being pursued and abandoned the victims to evade capture.

No one has been arrested. A case of kidnapping and robbery has been opened for further investigation.