Police in Bedfordview have issued a warning about a new kidnapping trend after several incidents that seem to be connected to hijacking attempts. The body of one man was found with a gunshot wound to the head while a woman kidnapped during an incident at the Van Buuren off-ramp on the N3 is still missing.

Missing man found dead in Springs

A man, who was reported missing by his wife, was found dead from a gun wound to the head in an open field in Springs on Monday.

Bedfordview police spokesperson Colonel Sinothi Ndaba says the wife reported the victim left his home heading for a meeting, but never returned.

“His car was later found at a carwash in Kwa-Thema,” says Ndaba.

Wife kidnapped during failed hijacking

On Thursday a couple was robbed of R3 000 after a failed hijacking attempt at the Van Buuren off-ramp. During the escape, the suspects managed to kidnap the wife and she hasn’t been found yet.

Police say the victim alleged that they were stopped by two armed suspects driving a silver Toyota Corolla.

Two arrested for kidnapping

Two suspects were arrested at Cleveland informal settlement in connection with the kidnapping of a man (28) recently.

The suspects allegedly kidnapped the victim and demanded a ransom of R400 000. They were arrested upon collecting the ransom money.

Man’s body found near Putfontein off-ramp in Benoni

The Benoni City Times reported on similar incidents in October. Captain Nomsa Sekele of the Benoni SAPS said at the time that they are investigating three cases with the same modus operandi.

A man, who called his family to say he had been kidnapped after leaving to see a client, was found murdered near the Putfontein offramp on the N12 on October 27.

His family reported to police that after his disappearance, they received a call from his phone from kidnappers demanding R900 000.

Police warn against new trend

Naba warned the public to be vigilant.

“Criminals are hijacking people with the purpose to extort money from their loved ones. Community members must be aware of this new trend as we are approaching the festive season,” says Ndaba.