PRETORIA - A group of four men who target members of the public based on their sexual orientation were arrested at a restaurant in Parktown.

The men who have been targeting the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender and Queer community would utilise a dating app designed for this community to target and lure victims to secluded places, kidnap and then rob them.

On 12 February 2023, a 26-year-old man who had been chatting to one of the suspects was lured to an area where he was hijacked, kidnapped and robbed off his personal belongings including bank cards. The suspects proceeded to make several purchases with the victim’s bank cards.

As soon as the matter was reported to the Mondeor Police Station, the Anti-Kidnapping Task Team operationalised information and swooped in on the four men who were meeting at the restaurant on the same day of the kidnapping.

They were found with the victim’s belongings including bank cards, wallet, bag and cellphone.

Thabo Ndlovu (33), Ndumiso Mahlangu (27), Sibusiso Tshabalala (27) and Elson Nyati (25) were arrested and have already appeared before the Booysens Magistrate’s Court. Each of them are facing a charge of hijacking, kidnapping and extortion.

The victim’s hijacked vehicle, a Mercedes C180 has not been recovered and the search continues for the vehicle.

The victim was rescued and has since been reunited with his family.

All role-players involved in working together with members of the SAPS to take down this syndicate are appreciated and they are JMPD K-9, Gauteng Traffic, Tracker Connect and members of the private security industry.

Source: South African Police Service