On Monday, 11 October 2021 at 10:30, a multidisciplinary operation was conducted which led to successful arrest of two suspects both aged 48 for kidnapping and extortion.

It is alleged that on 08 July 2021 at 17:38, a 60-year-old male victim was leaving his business premises on Umgeni Road in Durban when he was accosted by four armed unknown males and forced into their vehicle. He was held hostage for seven days when the family received ransom demand of R10 million for his release from the suspects after the kidnapping.

On 10 October 2021 police received information tracing the money to a family trust in Bloemfontein. An operational plan was put in place and they proceeded to Bainsvlei in Bloemfontein where they arrested two suspects. Police seized electronic items, two rifles, a 9mm firearm which were used in a commission of crime for investigation. The investigative team is still looking for the remaining suspects which were part of the kidnapping.

The two suspects are said to appear in the Durban Magistrates’ Court on 14 October 2021 for charges of kidnapping and extortion.

Source: South African Police Service