A 31-year-old private security officer has been arrested in Cape Town, in connection with the kidnapping of a family of four in Franschhoek more than a month ago.
The family was kidnapped on the 22 August 2024 and allegedly held captive in the suspect’s home, located in the Samora Machel informal settlement.
At the time, the kidnappers demanded a ransom of R400,000.
According to the Hawks, no ransom was paid, but the kidnappers managed to get some money.
“Investigation revealed that the ransom was not paid, instead an amount of R16 000 was transferred from the hostages account by the kidnappers.”
The security officer’s arrest marks the second suspect to be taken into custody in this case. He was arrested at his workplace on Monday.
The Hawks have indicated that more arrests are imminent.
The suspect is set to appear in the Paarl Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, where he faces charges of kidnapping and extortion.
Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
Meanwhile, this arrest highlights the growing concerns over the involvement of individuals within security or law enforcement in organised crime.
Earlier this week, eight Cape Town police officers, as well as a former officer, were arrested on charges of extortion. They allegedly conducted searches of shops owned by Chinese nationals in Milnerton and threatened to arrest the nationals for being in the country illegally. They made their first court appearance on Wednesday, and they’re back in court on 22 October.
ALSO READ: Concerns over SAPS working conditions, amid extortion arrests
