A 51-year-old businessman who was kidnapped during a house robbery in Summer Greens, Cape Town, has been rescued in Saldanha by the Western Cape anti-kidnapping task team, while nine suspects have been arrested in connection with the crime.
Western Cape police confirmed that the hostage was rescued during a coordinated operation conducted in Khayelitsha and Saldanha on Friday and Monday. The arrests follow the kidnapping and robbery of the businessman last Monday, 25 May 2026.
According to police, seven armed suspects allegedly stormed the victim’s home, where they robbed him and other occupants of cellphones and a substantial amount of cash before abducting the businessman.
As investigations into the kidnapping-for-ransom case continued, a multidisciplinary team carried out tracing operations at several premises in Makhaza, Khayelitsha, on Friday evening. The operation resulted in the arrest of five suspects.
Further investigations led officers to Saldanha, where an additional suspect was arrested at a residence on Basil February Street. Police later raided another property in Noordse Street, where they successfully rescued the hostage and arrested three more suspects.
The businessman was found tied up and appeared to have sustained injuries believed to be the result of torture. He was taken to a medical facility for treatment.
The nine suspects, comprising seven men and two women aged between 20 and 50, are expected to appear in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.
They are facing charges related to possession of stolen property, unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, as well as robbery, kidnapping and extortion.
“Western Cape SAPS management has commended the anti-kidnapping task team for the meticulous investigations that led to rescue of the hostage and arrests effected.” said Brigadier Novela Potelwa
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