The police rescued two men, aged 64 and 34, in a Crystal Park informal settlement on July 8 after their kidnapping on July 7.
According to national police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, criminals kidnapped the men while they were driving on Putfontein Road.
Afterwards, the suspects began making ransom demands from the victims’ families, after which the SAPS’ Elite Special Task Force Unit was mobilised.
“A shoot-out ensued between the police and the kidnappers when the police located them on July 8. One suspect was shot and killed, another was wounded and taken to hospital. Officers arrested four others,” said Mathe.
She added that the police assure communities they have the necessary expertise and capabilities to intercept and take down syndicates involved in kidnappings when there are ransom demands made.
The SAPS urges community members to report to their nearest police station or call the Crime Stop hotline on 0800 10111 if any of their relatives or friends fall victim to kidnappers.
In May, the Benoni City Times reported that the body of Shanshudeen Faki (68), the co-owner of the Dawood Megastore in Dunswart, was found in Leachville, Brakpan, on May 13.
The find followed his kidnapping from the parking area of the business on May 11.
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