CAPE TOWN - Following reports of an alleged kidnapping incident in Knysna on 09 February 2023, Crime Intelligence, Knysna Station Commander with local detectives investigated the matter and through the networking of sources and contacts identified who the suspects were and where they were keeping the victim. The suspects had also demanded money for the release of the victim.

All intelligence was coordinated and an operational team comprising of Knysna Crime Prevention Unit and Flying Squad members were deployed to a house in Robololo Street, Knysna. The Malawian victim was found and brought to safety. During the search, 70grams of tik and 156 mandrax tablets to the value R33 860 were seized.

After interviewing the victim and one of the suspects at the police station, a follow-up operation was conducted at the premises of one suspect, a foreign national of Nigerian descent, led to the further discovery of 7500 mandrax tablets and 1.5kg tik to the value of R502 500. The drug consignment was seized and handed in as exhibits. Cash to the value of R20 000, believed to be the proceeds of crime, was also found and confiscated.

The four suspects, being an adult foreign national male, two South African males and one South African female were arrested on charges of kidnapping, extortion and dealing in drugs. They will appear in court once charged.

Source: South African Police Service