5 arrested as police foil Melrose Arch kidnapping
Four men and a woman were arrested, while three vehicles and 10 cellphones were seized.
Five suspects are in custody following a foiled kidnapping attempt in Melrose Arch yesterday.
SAPS reported that a woman had planned to have her employer kidnapped and forced to withdraw large sums of money from her business bank account. Crime intelligence and organised crime operatives, who had been investigating the matter, decided to carry out a ‘mock kidnapping’ to apprehend the suspects.
The ‘mock kidnapping’ was orchestrated using intelligence tactics and close collaboration with the target.
SAPS confirmed that following the successful operation, five suspects were arrested while planning to withdraw the transferred money.
The suspects have been charged with conspiracy to kidnap and extortion. Three vehicles: A Range Rover, a Toyota Ayga, and a white Polo Vivo were seized, along with 10 cellphones.
National police commissioner General Fannie Masemola commended the intelligence and organised crime units for their precise execution of a seamless operation that ensured the target’s safety.
“This was a sensitive operation, but through the experience and skill set of our organised crime and intelligence team, we have managed to break the back of this syndicate. We believe we have prevented many other kidnappings through this takedown. Investigations are ongoing to determine if they can be linked to other kidnappings, particularly those involving ransom,” said Masemola.
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