EVATON – Acting on a tip-off from an informant, law enforcement authorities have dismantled a criminal syndicate linked to a recent kidnapping and extortion case that took place in the Free State.

According to a police statement, the incident occurred on July 19, when the suspects allegedly kidnapped a victim using a black Toyota Tazz, later abandoning the individual in Evaton West.

A coordinated operation involving the Sedibeng Tracking Team, Sedibeng K9 Unit, Gauteng Traffic Police High Priority Crimes and Internal Affairs, and the Fezile Dabi Task Team led to the successful apprehension of the suspects. The syndicate was traced to Evaton, Beverly Hills, where four individuals were arrested on charges of house robbery and kidnapping.

During the operation, two firearms were recovered, along with the black Toyota Tazz believed to have been used during the commission of the crime.

Authorities have confirmed that investigations are ongoing and more arrests may follow.