Cops arrest ‘mastermind’ of foreign national kidnappings
The 39-year-old Pakistani national is alleged to be the mastermind behind the kidnapping of 10 foreign nationals in Polokwane in January.
POLOKWANE – A 39-year-old Pakistani national, believed to be the mastermind of a kidnapping syndicate, appeared in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on Thursday (February 10).
The man is allegedly the kingpin behind the kidnapping of 10 foreign nationals in Polokwane in January, according to police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Robert Netshiunda.
“The man was arrested in Centurion on Sunday (February 6) during an intelligence-led operation that comprised members of the National Crime Intelligence, Organised Crime, Gauteng Organised Crime and Johannesburg K9 units. The Gauteng Hostage Negotiating Team, Ekurhuleni Police Department’s specialised operations team and private security companies were also involved in the intelligence-led operation,” he explained.
Netshiunda said the man made his first appearance in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday (February 8), and that his case was transferred to the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court, where he was remanded in custody.
“Preliminary investigations revealed the suspect made calls to the families of the victims and demanded ransom. It is reported that on January 26, 10 foreign nationals travelled along the N1 from Musina when they were stopped by another vehicle. The victims were allegedly loaded into another vehicle and were transported to Polokwane where they were handed to the suspect near the Peter Mokaba Sports Complex,” he explained.
The investigating team on Thursday (February 10) followed up on intelligence information which led them to a lodge in Bruma, Johannesburg. “The 10 victims were rescued unharmed and the suspect will be back in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court next week Thursday (February 17) where he will make a formal bid for bail,” he explained.
Netshiunda said police investigations are continuing and more arrests are imminent.
