By Everson Luhanga
Five Suspects Arrested in Foiled Kidnapping Plot in Melrose Arch, Johannesburg.
National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe announced the arrest of five suspects in connection with a foiled kidnapping in Melrose Arch, Johannesburg. The suspects include two South Africans, two Ugandans, and one Malawian national.
The arrests followed an intelligence-driven operation that successfully thwarted the kidnapping.
According to Brigadier Mathe, the South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Intelligence and Organized Crime units, along with the Hawks, had been investigating information about a South African woman who was allegedly planning to have her employer kidnapped and coerced into withdrawing large sums of money from her business account.
“Through intelligence tactics and close collaboration with the intended kidnapping target, a mock kidnapping was orchestrated,” said Brigadier Mathe. “The SAPS reserves the right to withhold specific details on how the operation was executed, as revealing such information could compromise future intelligence-driven operations.”
The SAPS confirmed that following this successful mock kidnapping and the subsequent takedown of the syndicate, five suspects were arrested while planning to withdraw the money that had been ‘transferred’ as part of the staged kidnapping of the ‘female employer.’
The arrests were made on Friday, 23 August, at their meeting place in Melrose Arch. The suspects now face charges of conspiracy to kidnap and extortion.
“Three vehicles were seized during the operation, including a Range Rover, a Toyota Aygo, and a white Polo Vivo. Additionally, ten cell phones were confiscated,” Brigadier Mathe added.
The National Commissioner of the SAPS, General Fannie Masemola, commended the intelligence and organised crime units for their meticulous execution of the operation, ensuring the target’s safety was never compromised.
“This was a sensitive operation, but through the experience and skill of our organised crime and intelligence teams, we managed to dismantle this syndicate. We believe that by doing so, we have prevented many other potential kidnappings,” said General Masemola.
“Investigations are ongoing to determine if these suspects are linked to other kidnappings, particularly those involving ransom demands.”
General Masemola also acknowledged the crucial role of other stakeholders, including private security and the EMPD, in ensuring the operation’s success.
Pictured above: The arrested suspects
Source: SAPS
