An intelligence-driven operation by members of the EMPD led to the arrest of a man identified as one of the most wanted suspects in the City of Ekurhuleni, on November 10.
During the raid at a house in Bedfordview, officers also rescued two kidnapped women.
According to Ekurhuleni MMC for Community Safety France Mmoko, the women had gone missing from their home over a week ago, and had been reported missing to the police.
“Days of intense investigations led the EMPD to the house in Bedfordview where they found the missing women, stolen items, including a police cap, a motorcycle and IT equipment, including a laptop, belonging to the Gauteng provincial government.
“The police also seized drugs, such as ‘mushrooms’ and ‘liquid G’, commonly known as the date-rape drug.
“A few minutes into the raid, the police also found a firearm and numerous rounds of ammunition. A sting operation was then conducted, and led to the arrest of the owner of the property and the alleged kingpin,” explained Mmoko.
The MMC described this as a major breakthrough and said they believe further investigations may uncover more serious criminal activities.
“We are following leads of human trafficking and drug dealing. We suspect this suspect is part of a crime ring. The country is presently dealing with a scourge of GBV and kidnapping of women. We believe this will lift the lid on similar activities in the region and beyond,” said Mmoko.
He pointed out that the EMPD has intensified its war against GBV and kidnapping.
“We already know the hot spots, be it in townships or affluent areas. We know the modus operandi of these thugs and we also know who they are and we are coming for them,” he said.
The EMPD said it will also be engaging with their SAPS counterparts to determine how the arrested suspect got out of prison after he was arrested six months ago.
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