Police outsmart alleged kidnappers, man rescued on R28
Two persons have been charged with kidnapping after police intelligence managed to outsmart them.
Police intelligence rescued an adult man and arrested two alleged kidnappers on May 6.
According to West Rand District Police spokesperson Captain Solomon Sibiya, the kidnappers were arrested around 12:30 at a service station on the R28 near Mohlakeng.
He said before the arrests were made, a family member received a call from the kidnapped relative who said a lump sum of R5 000 was needed for his release. Thereafter, the kidnappers called the victim’s family member, directing him to where the money should be dropped off.
The victim’s family member then decided to inform the police about the scenario.
Sibiya added the police informed the victim’s family members to call the kidnappers and make arrangements to meet. After calling the kidnappers, they instructed the victim’s family member to go to an identified location. The kidnappers also described their vehicle.
Sibiya explained that the police accompanied the victim’s family member to the service station. When police identified the kidnappers’ vehicle, they were arrested and the victim was safely returned to family members.
A case of kidnapping has since been opened at the Randfontein Police Station where the kidnappers were subsequently formally charged.
Randfontein Police Station Commander Brigadier Jacob Mashole Manamela stated that he was proud of the members for showing courage and managing to outsmart the kidnappers.
In February 2024, the Herald reported how a kidnapped woman, Mapule Oganne was reunited with her family.
• Also read: ‘Her life comes first’: Kidnapped woman reunited with family
Also, Recent crime statistics show that kidnappings remain a genuine problem across South Africa. According to the third quarter crime statistics, a total of 3 975 people were kidnapped between October 1 and December 31, 2023.
• Also read: Nearly 4 000 kidnappings in three months in SA
