Dobsonville man arrested for allegedly staging own kidnapping
A kidnapping case was reported at SAPS Johannesburg Central on August 4 after it was alleged that the man had been abducted by unknown suspects who demanded a ransom of R100 000 for his release.
A 28-year-old man was arrested after he allegedly staged his own kidnapping in an attempt to extort money from his family in Dobsonville on August 5.
According to police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi, a kidnapping case was reported at SAPS Johannesburg Central on August 4 after it was alleged that the man had been abducted by unknown suspects who demanded a ransom of R100 000 for his release.
Nevhuhulwi said a multidisciplinary team comprising the Provincial Tracking Team, Crime Intelligence, detectives from Johannesburg Central, the K9 Unit, Soweto Flying Squad, Fidelity Specialist Services, and Vision Tactical was immediately mobilised to locate and rescue the alleged victim.
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“Intensive investigations and follow-up operations led the team to a house in Dobsonville, where they found the alleged victim together with three other individuals,” she said.
Nevhuhulwi stated that further investigations established that the man had allegedly conspired with the three suspects to stage the kidnapping in an attempt to extort money from his family.
She said all four suspects were arrested and are expected to appear in court on August 7 on charges of kidnapping and defeating the ends of justice.
“The police warn members of the public against opening false criminal cases, as this constitutes a criminal offence and wastes valuable resources that could otherwise be used to assist genuine victims of crime,” said Nevhuhulwi.
Members of the public are encouraged to report any criminal activities at their nearest police station or by calling the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111.
Anonymous tip-offs can also be submitted via the MySAPS App, which can be downloaded on any smartphone.
