In the last six months, twelve businessmen and six students who had been kidnapped for ransom have been rescued by Saps anti-kidnapping task team.A 49-year-old Portuguese national who was kidnapped has been rescued by police and private security in Johannesburg.outside his business in Albertina Sisulu Road in Florida, west of Johannesburg, last week by seven men who pulled into the parking area with two Mercedes-Benzes.
The Madeiran businessman was forced into one of the vehicles at gunpoint by the suspect before they sped off.where he had been in captivity. On the same evening, members also arrested one of his captors in Turfontein, Johannesburg.spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the South African Police Services anti-kidnapping task team, including other law enforcement agencies and private security, have been working around the clock to find the Portuguese national. He was found unharmed.
“From January 2024 to date , 49 kidnappers who demanded ransom payment from families of victims have been arrested in Gauteng, North West and the Free State. 21 vehicles used in the commission of these crimes have been confiscated and eight firearms have also been seized. The Saps is confident that working together with all stakeholders and community tip-offs, it will continue to take down more syndicates believed to be behind a spate of kidnappings for ransom across the country,” Mathe said.PICS: Man ‘executed’ while sitting in his car in KZN