A Pakistani businessman (55) has been rescued and 4 of his kidnappers arrested in Gauteng this. According to Lt Col Amanda van Wyk, the kidnappers, 2 South Africans and 2 Pakistani nationals were taken into custody, following an intelligence-led operation, in different locations in Gauteng on 13 March 2025. She says officers also confiscated an illegal firearm and a vehicle during the operation.
A Pakistani businessman has been rescued
Lt Col van Wyk says according to a preliminary report, the victim was kidnapped in Graaff-Reinet, in the Eastern Cape last month. An unknown group of individuals had reportedly introduced themselves to the victim as immigration officials. The businessman allegedly accompanied them to the nearest police station, but he never returned home.
READ MORE: Eastern Cape Police have dismantled a kidnapping ring
Four kidnappers were arrested in Gauteng
She says the kidnappers had allegedly demanded a ransom for the release of the victim. It was then that the victim’s family reported the kidnapping to the police.
MORE ABOUT: Three arrested for kidnapping near Stellenbosch
The Police say intelligence had led a multi-disciplinary team to arrest a kidnapper in Killarney. At the same time, an unlicensed firearm was confiscated. She says this suspect led the team to the location of the victim in Evaton where 2 kidnappers were taken into custody.
A multi-disciplinary team tackles kidnapping of businessman
The multi-disciplinary team had comprised members from National Crime Intelligence, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in Eastern Cape (DPCI – HAWKS), DPCI TOMS, Soweto Flying Squad and private security.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Office of the National Commissioner
She says upon further investigation, a fourth kidnapper was detained in Benoni. It was in that area that a vehicle used in the commission of the crime was also seized. The suspects will appear in a local Magistrates’ court soon. The investigation continues.
