In a dramatic operation that spanned multiple locations across Johannesburg, South African authorities have dealt a significant blow to a brazen cross-border kidnapping ring, arresting 14 individuals, including three Chinese and two Mozambican nationals. The arrests, which came after a carefully orchestrated operation by a diverse team of experts, have deeply shaken the business community, underscoring the increasing danger posed by organized crime syndicates that operate across borders.
The daring kidnapping took place on Sunday, near the victim’s place of employment. The victim, a rich and prominent Zimbabwean businessman, commonly referred to in Zimbabwe as ‘Mbinga’, whose identity remains undisclosed for security reasons, was allegedly seized by the suspects and held captive for an undisclosed period.
Colonel Athlenda Mathe, the national spokesperson for the South African Police Service (SAPS), confirmed the arrests and detailed the intricate operation that led to the suspects’ capture. “A multidisciplinary team, including the SAPS anti-kidnapping task team in Gauteng, other SAPS units, and private security companies, worked tirelessly to locate the businessman and apprehend his captors,” she said.
The operation culminated in the successful rescue of the businessman from a location in Diepkloof, Soweto. “They also managed to trace the fourteen kidnappers at various locations,” Colonel Mathe explained. “The first eight were traced to an apartment in Greenstone Park, while the rest were apprehended in Sandton.”
The arrests were accompanied by the seizure of a cache of incriminating evidence, including multiple speed point machines, a substantial sum of cash allegedly withdrawn from the victim’s bank account, and two firearms. One of the firearms, Colonel Mathe revealed, was confirmed to have been stolen during a house robbery in Linden in 2023.
The operation underscores the growing audacity of kidnapping syndicates operating in the region. “In recent weeks, police teams have managed to intercept a number of suspects linked to kidnapping syndicates, which prey on businessmen and demand large sums of money for ransom,” Colonel Mathe said. “These syndicates often operate across national borders, making it difficult for law enforcement agencies to track their activities.”
The arrests come on the heels of a similar incident in Crystal Park, Benoni, just one week prior. In that incident, a 64-year-old man and a 34-year-old man were kidnapped while driving along Putfontein Road. The SAPS special task force, responding to ransom demands made by the kidnappers, launched a swift operation that resulted in the rescue of the two victims. During the rescue operation, a shootout ensued, leading to the death of one suspect, the wounding of another, and the arrest of four additional individuals.
These incidents have raised serious concerns about the safety and security of individuals, particularly businessmen, operating in the region. “Communities are urged to continue to report suspicious activities in and around their neighbourhood, to ensure together we deal decisively with these criminals,” Colonel Mathe appealed.
The arrests of the 14 suspects, including the three Chinese and two Mozambican nationals, represent a significant victory for law enforcement agencies battling organised crime. However, the ongoing threat posed by these syndicates necessitates a concerted effort by regional authorities to dismantle their networks and bring those responsible to justice. The success of the recent operations offers a glimmer of hope, but the fight against these criminal enterprises is far from over. The authorities are committed to ensuring that those who prey on innocent citizens face the full force of the law.
