Cops nab kidnappers after high-speed car chase
A regional bank manager was kidnapped after he went for a jog near his home in Welgelegen.
POLOKWANE – A 56-year-old regional bank risk manager has been reunited with his family after he was kidnapped on Saturday (May 14).
According to a statement by police spokesperson Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo, the manager went for a jog near his home in Welgelegen when he was kidnapped.
“The kidnappers later contacted the relatives of the victim and demanded a substantial amount of money in return for his safe release. The matter was reported to the police and the detectives from the Provincial Investigation Unit, Crime Intelligence and Organised Crimes Unit, Tactical Response Team joined by hostage negotiators started with their investigations,” Mojapelo explained.
Ransom money was later dropped off at an agreed pickup point. “The suspects arrived in two motor vehicles, white and black in colour, and immediately fled the scene after they picked up the money. The victim was still inside one of the vehicles,” he elaborated.
A high-speed car chase ensued and the driver of the vehicle with the bank manager inside, lost control of the vehicle and swerved into nearby bushes.
“The vehicle came to a halt and two suspects, who reportedly sustained gunshot wounds, were ultimately arrested. The others managed to flee the scene in a white BMW sedan,” Mojapelo added.
A manhunt for the remaining suspects is still underway. “Residents with information that can assist in the apprehension of the these suspects should contact Lieutenant Colonel Richard Boshomane on 079 894 5501, the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or their nearest police station,” Mojapelo requested.
The bank manager also sustained injuries during the shootout incident and was taken to a local hospital where he is in a stable condition. “The ransom money was recovered and the other vehicle confiscated.”
Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe lauded the effort of the team last night.
She thanked the investigators, Tactical Response Team members and hostage negotiators for their “excellent investigative efforts and a well coordinated operation” that led to the victim’s rescue and the two arrests.
Meanwhile, the arrested men, aged 25 and 28, are currently in hospital under heavy police guard. “They will appear before the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on Monday (May 16) facing charges of abduction, extortion and attempted murder,” Mojapelo concluded.
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