Joburg drug bust leads to kidnapped businessman’s safe return
The SAPS joint anti-kidnapping task force and other law enforcement officials made a huge drug bust and, in the process, rescued a kidnapped man.
A businessman who was kidnapped from a mosque in Helderkruin, Roodepoort, on July 5 has been rescued after a massive bust by police.
The victim was found at a house in Lenasia yesterday, leading to the arrest of eight suspects.
The SAPS joint anti-kidnapping task force, in conjunction with other law enforcement units, conducted a successful operation that resulted in his safe return and the seizure of illicit drugs (suspected to be crystal meth) with an estimated value of R300m.
Another six suspects were arrested in a hotel and two apartments located in the Fourways area.
The crime scene was visited by national police commissioner General Fannie Masemola, deputy national commissioner for crime detection Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya, and Gauteng police commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni.
Arrests welcomed
National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the arrests have brought great joy to Masemola.
“General Masemola praised the team’s efforts, vowing to continue dismantling transnational organised crime syndicates.
“Well done to the team. Our men and women in blue remain hard at work in taking down syndicates involved in the dealing and trafficking of drugs. Commendable progress has been registered in recent weeks, and we owe those successes to our dedicated police officers and our partners in crime, including private security.”
An ongoing effort to curb crime
Masemola gave a media briefing earlier today. He spoke about the police’s ongoing operations across the country and their plans to tackle various crimes
“Kidnappings are on the rise, particularly those tied to crimes like carjacking and rape. We are ramping up police visibility and actively tracing suspects. For ransom-related kidnappings, our provincial teams have made significant strides.
“The Hawks recently rescued a businessman in Gqeberha, leading to the arrest of 14 suspects in Johannesburg, including Chinese and Mozambican nationals. Over the past two years, we have arrested more than 250 kidnappers and rescued over 20 businessmen and six students. We have full confidence in our multidisciplinary teams’ capabilities to tackle these crimes,” he stated.
The full speech can be read here or watch it here:
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