JMPD officers arrest kidnapping suspects and rescue businessman in Lenasia
The suspects were linked to the abduction after officers discovered keys that unlocked the victim’s shop, leading to his rescue in Phiri and the recovery of two firearms.
JMPD commends the vigilant and decisive actions of two Region G officers whose quick thinking led to the rescue of a kidnapped businessman and the arrest of two suspects on February 22.
Officers were conducting routine patrols along Nirvana Drive in Lenasia when they were flagged down by a member of the public. The individual reported that his brother had just been abducted at gunpoint in Lenasia Ext 13.
The officers proceeded to the scene on Airborne Street. Community members informed the officers that an Ethiopian national had been forced into a white Nissan 1400 bakkie by two armed males while he was closing his shop.
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“While interviewing witnesses and awaiting the SAPS, the officers spotted a vehicle matching the description driving past the crime scene.
“The officers followed the bakkie to a dead-end on the same street, where the occupants exited and entered a local tavern.
“Upon questioning the suspects, officers conducted a search of the vehicle and discovered a set of three small keys.
“Although the passenger claimed these were house keys, the officers’ intuition led them to test the keys at the victim’s shop. One of the keys successfully unlocked the shop’s security gate, directly linking the suspects to the scene of the crime,” said JMPD spokesperson, Xolani Fitlha.
Following the discovery, the suspects were placed under arrest and subsequently disclosed that the victim was being held in Phiri.
“JMPD officers proceeded to the identified location where they discovered the victim in a room, bound by cable ties on his hands and legs. Two firearms, allegedly used during the abduction, were recovered from the premises.
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“The victim was successfully rescued. A case docket has been opened at Lenasia SAPS, and the Nissan 1400 bakkie has been booked in as an exhibit for further investigation.”
The JMPD chief of police Commissioner Patrick Jaca said, “The bravery and investigative prowess shown by our officers exemplify the dedication of the JMPD to the safety of our residents. We thank the community for their cooperation, which was vital in ensuring a swift and positive outcome.”
