Police rescue two businessmen in Midrand after kidnapping ordeal

Two businessmen have been rescued hours after they were hijacked and kidnapped in Midrand, north of Johannesburg.

The duo were abducted and rescued on Monday by the South African Police Service (Saps) Anti-Kidnapping Task Team.

Kidnapping

Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the businessmen were hijacked by a group of criminals driving a silver/grey Hyundai i10 on the premises of a car rental company.

“They were thereafter kept in a bush along the R21, where they were forced to hand over their bank cards and PINs. The kidnappers then began withdrawing large sums of money from their bank accounts.”

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Rescue

Mathe said a multidisciplinary team led by the Saps anti-kidnapping task team were alerted and rushed to the scene.

“The two male victims were found in dense bushes and rescued. Their hijacked SUV Range Rover was later recovered in Tembisa.”

Manhunt

Mathe said a manhunt has been launched for the kidnappers who evaded arrest.

“They are said to be utilising a Hyundai i10 to commit their crimes. Citizens are urged to be alert and those who have information are encouraged to come forward to assist police investigations.

“The Saps would like to assure the nation that it has the necessary expertise to rescue victims of kidnappings and urge friends, family and bystanders to immediately alert the Saps when they become aware of any crime, including an active kidnapping,” Mathe advised.

Precautions

Mathe also encouraged people to be more vigilant and alert of their surroundings and report any suspicious activities.

“The Saps applauds the teams involved in this operation, which include the National Crime Intelligence Counter and Security team, Police Emergency Services, SAPS Flying Squad, Gauteng Traffic Police Airwing and Vision Tactical Security Company,” Mathe said.

American missionary

Meanwhile, Eastern Cape police have confirmed that the search for a 34-year-old American missionary is continuing after his apparent kidnapping.

Josh Sullivan of Tennessee was reportedly abducted by four armed men who burst into a church in Motherwell, Gqeberha last week, the Fellowship Baptist Church in Maryville, Tennessee, said on its Facebook page.

Eastern Cape Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant General Avele Fumba told The Citizen they are investigating the alleged kidnapping of “a man believed to be the pastor of a local church”.

ALSO READ: KZN man in court for allegedly faking his own kidnapping