A 30-year-old local businessman was robbed at gunpoint and held hostage at a business premises in Terminus Street, Taxi City, on Sunday night (October 5).

Imraan Ghafoor of the Newcastle Crime Fighter’s Task Team (CCPA) said the man had been lured to the premises by the men who ambushed and held him hostage inside a shop, demanding a large sum of money.

“He had recently sold his business in Riverside Industrial, and the suspects were aware that he was in possession of a substantial amount of cash,” explained Ghafoor.

The suspects forced the victim to hand over a large sum of money but continued to assault him and fired blank shots in an attempt to extort more money.

Ghafoor was alerted and immediately activated the CCPA, SAPS Stabilised Unit, Ithemba Security’s Tracing Unit, and Barnard’s Security.

Swooping on the premises, law enforcement officials apprehended seven suspects, including the shop owner, who was allegedly the mastermind behind the plot to lure the businessman to his shop.

The victim was treated by Trivs Medical Services for moderate head injuries before being transported to hospital for further care.

Law enforcement also managed to recover two firearms that were used during the crime.

All suspects were detained and are expected to face charges of armed robbery, kidnapping, extortion, and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

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