Two suspects aged 19 and 20 appeared in the Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court on 29 August to face charges of kidnapping and extortion.
This is according to a statement released by the Douglasdale Police Station.
It is alleged that on 26 August at about 7.15pm, a 22-year-old woman reported that her mother (aged 60) and grandmother (aged 80) were kidnapped by unknown suspects. This came after the complainant received a suspicious phone call from an unknown man demanding a deposit of R10 000 for the release of her family.
The two victims were travelling from Musina to Bloubosrand in Douglasdale when they got a lift from an unknown man driving a silver Polo with known registration. After the daughter reported the incident, Douglasdale police immediately launched a manhunt for the suspects. Preliminary investigations led the police to the owner of the vehicle in Benoni who indicated that his vehicle was with his driver who was transporting people from Musina to Johannesburg.
Intensive investigations led the police to the vehicle which was parked on a street in Berea, Hillbrow. The driver of the vehicle was approached and he led the police to a guesthouse in Betrams.
Upon searching the premises, the police managed to identify the two victims in one of the guest rooms accompanied by another woman aged 35 who was also travelling with them from Musina.
All three victims were under guard by two unknown men. A struggle ensued between the suspects and the police. Two of the suspects were arrested while the third suspect (the driver), aged 34, managed to flee the scene. The three victims were then rescued and safely reunited with their families. No one was injured.
The Station Commander of Douglasdale police Colonel Moeti Senna applauded the members for their commitment and hard work in making sure that the community of Douglasdale felt safe.
Police investigations are continuing into the incident. Douglasdale police also encourage the community to keep on reporting criminal activities in the area by phoning 011 699 1300 or the relief commander on 071 675 7158 or 086 001 0111.
Related article:
Douglasdale police and Johannesburg Metro Police Department put 26 offenders behind bars
