Further information comes to light in Beyers Park kidnapping case

The body of a man, believed to be one of the suspects in the kidnapping of a Pretoria man on July 15, was recently found in a dam at Boet Human Park in Beyers Park.

According to Boksburg North police spokesperson Const Justice Ramaube, the body was found, in a frozen state, two weeks ago.

Ramaube said through investigation it was found the deceased was among the suspects who fled the scene when police cornered them along Williams Road in Beyers Park.

On the day of the kidnapping, the SAPS Highway Patrol unit spotted the vehicle, a grey Vauxhall Zafira, which matched the description of a vehicle involved in a kidnapping that took place in Pretoria earlier that day, driving along Williams Road.

Officers approached the suspicious-looking vehicle with five male occupants inside.

However, when they noticed they were being approached by the police, they opened fire on the approaching police vehicle while speeding off.

Ramaube said police gave chase and returned fire, which hit the left rear tyre of the suspects’ vehicle, forcing it to come to a halt. The four suspects exited the vehicle and started to run in different directions, abandoning their vehicle with the kidnapped man inside.

One of the four suspects shot himself after running into a residential property in Tredoux Street and being cornered there by police, while two other suspects fled the scene.

As previously reported, the police arrested one of the men at the scene.

However, Ramaube clarified that the man who they believed was part of the gang turned out to be a passerby who happened to be in Williams Road when the events unfolded and he was released.

“The police are still searching for the remaining two suspects who evaded arrest and are investigating a case of kidnapping and attempted murder,” said Ramaube.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of the suspects may phone the Boksburg North police on 011 960 0100.

Victim
Speaking to the Advertiser, the Pretoria man said he was lucky to be alive after the traumatic incident.

The 41-year-old shared that a normal trip to the Quick Shop at a local filling station in Pretoria turned into a nightmare when he was attacked by the suspects who forced him into their car.

“They kept mentioning they were going to kill me. I said a prayer and was worried about what will happen to my family if they do kill me. When I realised the police and security personnel were onto the suspects, I was shocked but at the same time happy I’ve been found alive.”

He thanked the police and local security companies, such as SWS, Legendary Guardians Exclusive Protection, among others, for coming to his aid.

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