Two suspects arrested for kidnapping and R10m extortion
A 60-year-old man was leaving his business premises on Umgeni Road in Durban when he was allegedly accosted by four armed suspects.
TWO suspects have landed in the dock on charges of kidnapping and extortion. They will appear at the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, October 14.
Colonel Thembeka Mbele, said the suspects were arrested on Monday, October 11, during a multidisciplinary operation.
It is alleged that on July 8 at 17:38, a 60-year-old male victim was leaving his business premises on Umgeni Road in Durban when he was accosted by four armed men. The elderly businessman was forced into their vehicle.
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“He was held hostage for seven days when the family received a ransom demand of R10m for his release,” said Mbele.
On October 10, police traced the money to a family trust in Bloemfontein.
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“An operational plan was put in place and (police) proceeded to Bainsvlei in Bloemfontein, where they arrested two suspects. Police seized electronic items, two rifles and a 9mm firearm that were used in a commission of crime,” said Mbele
She added that the investigative team is looking for the remaining suspects who were involved in the kidnapping.
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