TWO suspects have landed in the dock for charges of kidnapping and extortion.
After kidnapping their victim (24) from a parking lot in the Durban CBD, the suspects demanded a ransom from the victim’s family in exchange for the victim’s safe return. Police intercepted the exchange on Saturday, September 18.
SAPS spokesperson, Colonel Thembeka Mbele said SAPS conducted an investigation and located a 24-year-old Indian national who was kidnapped.
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“The team was informed that the suspects were communicating with the victim’s brother, demanding a ransom. The money was arranged and the meeting point was given to the victim’s brother on South Coast Road in Clairwood. The meeting point was changed to Wiggins Road in Mobeni. The team tactically proceeded to the meeting point where the ransom was given to the suspect by the victim’s brother,” said Mbele.
According to Mbele, police intercepted the suspects as they fled the scene.
“The suspects drove away (in an alleged e-hailing taxi). The victim was dropped off and a chase after the said vehicle ensued. The vehicle was stopped by the team at Wiggins Road and intercepted,” she said.
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“Two occupants of the vehicle, one of which was a foreign national, were arrested with the cash. The investigation continued to the suspect’s place of residence where a 9mm pistol, fifteen rounds of ammunition and suspect’s cellular phones were found and seized,” said Mbele.
The other suspects are still at large. Both men, aged 34 and 39, will appear at the Durban Magistrates Court tomorrow and will face charges of kidnapping and extortion.
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