The SAPS has arrested a man they believe was the “main man” behind the recent kidnapping of a Bangladeshi national.
The Cleveland SAPS spokesperson, Constable Mpho Mashakane, said a 31-year-old man was arrested in Port Shepstone on March 7, shortly after 2pm.
The EXPRESS previously reported that the kidnapping victim had been found alive and unharmed on February 27.
“Our investigations identified the man most recently arrested as the mastermind behind the kidnapping. He appeared in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on March 8, on charges of kidnapping and extortion. He was remanded in custody,” said Const Mashakane.
The latest arrest was the third, after a teacher and a police reservist were arrested earlier in connection with the kidnapping.
More arrests may follow.
Const Mashakane said on February 11, a 26-year-old man was kidnapped from his family shop along Julles Street in Malvern by three men posing as police officers.
“The men said they were from the Katlehong SAPS’ Family Unit. The men told the family they were there to arrest their son for rape. They gave the family a case number and told the family that the case had been opened at the Klatlehong SAPS.
“The men also left a number where the family could call the ‘police’ for an update about the case,” said Const Mashakane.
The victim’s brother reported the incident at the Cleveland SAPS.
“Cleveland SAPS officers called the number the family was given and the person who answered confirmed that he was a policeman from Katlehong. He also confirmed that the man was arrested for rape,” said Const Malatji.
The family proceeded to the Katlehong SAPS to inquire about the case and the arrest.
“The family was told that the case number they were given was not for rape. They were told it was for a person who was arrested for possession of dagga,” said Cost Mashakane.
A case of kidnapping was then opened at the Cleveland SAPS.
On Friday, February 12, the father of the kidnapping victim received a call from someone demanding three million Bangladeshi Taka, equal to R400 000.
Const Mashakane said the investigation led to the arrest of a teacher who confessed to the kidnapping. He then led the police to his accomplice who is a reservist at the Edenpark SAPS.
“The pair has been arrested and they confessed. They told the investigating team they were paid R2 000 for the job by another man from Bangladesh. They handed over the victim to this man after the victim was taken from his father’s shop,” she said.
Const Mashakane said a car that was used during the kidnapping, police uniforms and two toy guns were confiscated during the arrest of the first two suspects.
She said the latest suspect is also a Bangladesh national.
