The kidnapping and rescue of local businessman Mark Ramos has brought to the fore shocking kidnapping statistics.
According to the National Police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, 12 businessmen and six students who were kidnapped for ransom were rescued by a multi-disciplinary team led by the police’s anti-kidnapping task team over the past six months.
• Also read: JUST IN: Kidnapped businessman rescued
Mathe adds that since January, 49 kidnappers who demanded ransom from the families of their victims were arrested, while 21 vehicles and eight firearms used in these crimes were also confiscated in Gauteng, North West, and the Free State.
“In the cases where the businessmen and students were rescued, no ransom payment was made.
“The police is confident that working together with all stakeholders and community tip-offs, it will continue to take down more syndicates believed to be behind a spate of kidnappings for ransom across the country,” Mathe said.
• Also read: UPDATE: Ramos’ alleged kidnapper nabbed
The Roodepoort Record is aware of at least two other kidnappings in the region. It is unknown what the outcome of those cases were, or if the victims have been reunited with their families.
Questions in this regard have been directed at the police and the Record is awaiting their feedback which will be published once received.
