A woman was rescued from her kidnappers after police received a tip-off from community members.
Four men and a woman between 25 and 30 years old, were arrested on 8 January by the Johannesburg Flying Squad in Jeppestown.
According to the spokesperson for the Johannesburg Flying Squad, Sergeant Desmond Subramoney, the suspects were arrested during an intelligence-driven operation.
Subramoney said they faced charges of kidnapping, extortion and possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
“The officers reacted on information about a Ugandan female who was kidnapped and the suspects were demanding a ransom for her release,” he said.
“A sting operation was set up and the victim’s husband met with the suspects at John Page Drive in Jeppestown to hand over the money as arranged.
“As the suspects took the money, the police officers moved in and arrested the suspects with the money.”
They were then taken in for questioning and according to the police, they then confessed to the crime.
“We interviewed the suspects and they pointed out the room where the victim was kept at Cresta House situated along Main Street in Jeppestown.
“Police broke down the door and found two other males guarding the victim.”
Upon searching the room, an unlicensed 9mm Z88 pistol with the serial number filed off was recovered by the police.
Subramoney said the pistol was confiscated for further investigation and all five suspects were in police custody and were expected to appear soon in court.
Details: Joburg Flying Squad
011 248 1316.
Also read: Suspects arrested for kidnapping two women from Joburg taxi rank
