Tip-off saves kidnapped man, four arrested
The suspected kidnappers attempted to flee from police but were cornered.
Following his rescue, a 30-year-old kidnapping victim told police he was certain his captors were going to kill him.
The Brakpan SAPS Crime Prevention Unit rushed to the man’s aid after receiving an anonymous tip-off on Wednesday about a kidnapping in the CBD at around 10:00.
“Sergeant Bheki Sibande of the crime prevention unit was informed that there were four men assaulting a man along Wenden Avenue and they had just climbed into a white Omoda SUV with no registration plates, and have taken the New Kleinfontein Road towards Leachville,” said Constable Audrey Buthelezi, Brakpan SAPS Sector 1 manager and corporate communications officer.
“The members immediately responded and spotted the SUV turning into New Kleinfontein Road, and they followed.
“The police members attempted to stop the SUV, but the driver started accelerating. The unit gave chase until Leachville, where they managed to corner the SUV and bring it to a halt. Members tactically approached the SUV and ordered the occupants to get out with their hands in the air.”
Buthelezi explained the officers found a man inside the vehicle who had been severely beaten.
“He was bleeding from the nose, ears and mouth. The man could barely speak, and the members phoned for medical assistance immediately. The driver of the SUV and three other male occupants, all foreign nationals, were ordered to lay down and were cuffed,” she said.
“Before being taken to the nearest hospital by ambulance, the injured man told police members that he owed one of the men money, and he recruited the other three from Kempton Park and they kidnapped him.
“He didn’t know where they were taking him but said he knows they were going to kill him.”
An imitation pistol was found during a search of the vehicle. The four men, aged between 30 and 35, were arrested for kidnapping, assault GBH and a charge relating to the fake gun.
The vehicle and replica firearm were seized.
Brakpan SAPS interim station commander Colonel Eugene Scheepers applauded the members’ swift reaction and apprehension of the suspects, citing that they rescued the victim from the hands of criminals who could have done the worst.
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