A Cape Town woman had a lucky escape after she was a victim of a so-called express kidnapping on Friday night, 22 March.

Her Chevrolet Spark was hijacked and she was then held against her will for four hours, while 2 suspects forced her to withdraw money from an ATM.

They also sold her phone before eventually releasing her unharmed.

Law enforcement officers on patrol in the Wynberg and Plumstead area spotted the vehicle later that night and gave chase, arresting a man and a woman.

The male suspect, it turns out, had recently been released from Pollsmoor prison and has a lengthy criminal record.

On searching the occupants and vehicle, cash believed to be from the sale of the mobile phone and ATM withdrawal, a replica gas firearm, stolen clothing items and a knife was found.

The occupants were arrested and charged with the following:

• Possession of a hijacked motor vehicle.
• Possession of a replica firearm.
•  Possession of suspected stolen property.
• Reckless and Negligent Driving (Driver)
• Possession of Dangerous Weapon (Driver)
• Resisting Arrest (Driver)

Further charges relating to the Hijacking & Kidnapping will be added. The suspects are expected to appear in court on Monday 25 March.

Referred to as an “express kidnapping,” victims are often held hostage as perpetrators hold them hostage and force them to maximize withdrawal limits and access to funds, even over several days.

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