MEYERTON. – Members of various units of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigation (Hawks) swooped in on an alleged kidnapping syndicate at a house in Kliprivier.

The SAPS Intelligence team was following intelligence which led the integrated multi-disciplinary team to the Klipriveir house where a total of five men, two of which are of foreign nationality were arrested.

The investigation team also recovered foreign military uniform, several firearms including rifles and pistols, some of which were buried in the garden on the same property. Some of the long guns include two AK 47 rifles, one uzzi submachine gun, and two pump action shot guns.

The National Commissioner of Police, General Khehla Sitole has conveyed congratulatory messages to the Intelligence-led team following the rescue of the victim.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Vishnu Naidoo says,  “The team worked through yet another night and rescued the victim in the area of Kensington in Johannesburg during early on Saturday morning. No further details on the rescue can be provided at this stage in order to protect the investigation.

“The victim stated that he was not physically harmed but as a precautionary measure he was taken to hospital for a thorough medical examination.Of the five suspects who were arrested yesterday, three men are to be charged with kidnapping and they will appear in the Johannesburg Magistrates Court on Monday, 27 July 2020.”

The remaining two, a man and a woman will be charged for being in possession of firearms unlawfully and they will appear in the Palm Ridge Magistrate court.”

Naidoo said that the  investigation team is confident that more suspects will be arrested on the kidnapping case.