Police nab suspected ringleader of kidnapping for ransom syndicate
The suspect is linked to the kidnapping of a 63-year-old businessman in Roodepoort and a massive drug bust worth R300m in Fourways.
A 40-year-old Zambian national, believed to be the mastermind behind a kidnapping for ransom syndicate, was apprehended at OR Tambo International Airport on August 18 as he arrived in the country.
According to Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, the police spokesperson, the suspect is linked to the kidnapping of a 63-year-old businessman in Helderkruin, Roodepoort that took place in July.
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The victim, who was kidnapped on July 5, was rescued on the same day that police seized a massive R300m worth of crystal meth at two properties in Fourways and a hotel in Bruma.
The crime scene was visited by the National Commissioner of the police, General Fannie Masemola, alongside the Deputy National Commissioner for Crime Detection, Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya, and the Provincial Commissioner of Gauteng, Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni.
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The suspect is also believed to be a key figure in the drug bust.
“Police have been keeping a close watch on the suspects movements. The suspect is believed to be one of the ringleaders behind a kidnapping for ransom syndicate targeting businessmen in South Africa,” said Mathe.
She said the suspect is expected to be charged along with eight other suspects who were arrested for the kidnapping of the businessman and the drug bust.
“A multidisciplinary team of law enforcement officials carried out the arrest, tracking the suspect’s movements for weeks. The suspect is currently in police custody and is expected to appear in court soon. Police are urging anyone with information on the kidnapping syndicate or drug bust to come forward.”
The public is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities. The SAPS Anti-Kidnapping Task Team can be contacted on 08 600 10111
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