Police in the West Rand have arrested three suspects and rescued a kidnapped victim following an intelligence-driven operation in Kagiso, reports Krugersdorp News.

According to police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi, the suspects, aged 23, 24 and 25, were arrested yesterday, while a 30-year-old victim was successfully rescued.

Nevhuhulwi said the incident began on Friday, when a case of housebreaking and kidnapping was reported.

“A house in Kagiso was broken into by unknown suspects who abducted the victim and reportedly demanded a ransom of R500 000 from the family,” she said.

A multi-disciplinary task team comprising West Rand Crime Intelligence, Kagiso Visible Policing, West Rand TRIO detectives, the Highway Patrol and the K9 unit was immediately activated.

“Through an intelligence-driven operation and technical surveillance, the team traced the suspects to a premises in Tshepisong Phase 1,” said Nevhuhulwi.

She confirmed that three suspects were apprehended at the scene.

“Police also seized a white Suzuki bakkie, Capitec bank cards and cellphones believed to have been used in the commission of the crime. The victim has since been reunited with the family,” she added.

The suspects are expected to appear before the Kagiso Magistrates’ Court tomorrow facing charges of kidnapping and extortion.

In a separate incident, Nevhuhulwi said a nine-year-old girl who had been kidnapped for ransom on March 3 was also successfully rescued and reunited with her family.

Four suspects have been arrested and are expected to appear before a Johannesburg court on similar charges.

Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni commended the swift response by police.

“This successful rescue of the victims shows what integrated intelligence and dedicated teams can achieve,” said Mthombeni.

“We will continue to prioritise serious and violent crimes and ensure perpetrators face the full might of the law,” he said.

Police have urged members of the public to report any criminal activity to 08600 10111 or their nearest police station.

Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel.

Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.