With around 170 kidnapping-linked arrests made and R1.2m recovered since March 2024, the latest success saw a dramatic police anti-kidnapping operation unfold in Fourways this week, resulting in the fatal shooting of a wanted Mozambican fugitive and the arrest of two suspects.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) said in a media statement that an Anti-Kidnapping Task Team was following leads in the case of a kidnapped Pakistani businessman from Pretoria West, who remains in captivity.

Read more: Police nab suspected ringleader of kidnapping for ransom syndicate

It is said in the statement that a ransom demand has been made to his family. The high-level operation was launched at a residential complex in Carlswald, Midrand, where officers seized a Mercedes-Benz, a silver Mitsubishi Pajero, and arrested two suspects linked to the kidnapping.

The team then moved to Fourways, where a shoot-out erupted as officers approached. One suspect was fatally wounded.

#sapsHQ #Wanted Mozambican #kidnapping kingpin shot and killed during Anti-Kidnapping Task Team operation in residential complex in Fourways.

Anti-kidnapping task team traced a Mozambican kidnapping kingpin to a block of apartments in Fourways, Johannesburg this week. The… pic.twitter.com/eKk3DoUNU7

— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) June 21, 2025

He was later identified as 40-year-old Mauro Mucambe Junior, a kidnapping kingpin wanted in Mozambique and linked to multiple abductions.

Also read: Police rescue kidnapped businessman, arrest 11 suspects, and seize R300m worth of drugs

Police say a warrant for his arrest was issued by Maputo police in August 2024. An unlicensed firearm used by the suspect, along with 10 rounds of ammunition, was recovered at the scene. Police also seized four cellphones and four bank cards believed to be connected to the syndicate.

More than a million rand recovered by police

“The SAPS has full faith and confidence in the work of the Anti-Kidnapping Task Team to rescue the kidnapped businessman. Since January 2024 to date, the team has arrested more than 170 criminals involved in kidnappings for ransom. More than R1.2m has been recovered,” said Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, police spokesperson.

The police confirmed their confidence in the Anti-Kidnapping Task Team, which has made major strides in tackling ransom kidnappings this year.

“The same team recently made a breakthrough in the murder of Olorato Mongale by tracing Philangenkosi Makhanya. The manhunt for co-accused Bongani Mthimkhulu continues.”

The operation has sparked praise, with Fourways residents applauding SAPS for their swift and decisive action.