Five kidnappers were detained by Gauteng police following the rescue of a second Portuguese businessman from Nancefield Hostel in Soweto last week.
An intelligence-driven operation conducted by the police and special task force unit freed the businessman who was being held captive at the hostel, according to national police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe.
Mathe said the businessman, who owns a Waltloo Butchery in Johannesburg, was kidnapped in South Gate a week ago.
According to Mathe, the first two suspects — who are thought to be the getaway car drivers — were taken into custody on Thursday afternoon.
Another suspect was arrested at the hostel on Thursday night.
Ransom payment
“The man was kidnapped for ransom payment, but no payment was made as a direct result of police acting swiftly,” Mathe said.
“As soon as the matter was brought to the attention of the SAPS [SA Police Service], a team was assembled, and the team worked around the clock to find the victim alive.”
She continued: “A takedown operation was executed on Thursday afternoon, where two suspects, who are believed to be the drivers of the getaway vehicles, were arrested.
“At about 10.30pm on Thursday, the team descended onto the Nancefield Hostel in Soweto, where the businessman was found tied up and guarded.
“One more suspect was arrested at the hostel, and further information led the team to a house in White City, Soweto, where two other suspects were found.
“The victim’s bank cards and wallet were found in their possession.”
Earlier this week, another Portuguese businessman was rescued from a house in Soweto, after he was kidnapped outside his business premises in Florida on June 24.
Hunt is on for suspects
“On Monday evening, the team traced the victim to a home in Snake Park, Soweto, where he had been in captivity,” she said earlier in the week.
“On the same evening, police also arrested one of his captors in Turffontein, Johannesburg.
“The 39-year-old suspect is believed to belong to a syndicate that is responsible for at least four other kidnappings, where businessmen were the target in the Johannesburg district.
“The team is currently tracing suspects who were working together with the man.”
General Fannie Masemola, the national commissioner of police, said from January to date, 13 businessmen and at least six students were rescued without ransom being made.
More than 54 kidnappers operating in Gauteng, the North West, Mpumalanga, and the Free State, have been arrested since January, according to Masemola.
Takedown operation
He said at least 21 vehicles used in the commission of these crimes have been confiscated, and at least eight firearms have been seized.
Masemola applauded members of the SA Police Service for ensuring a well-coordinated and executed takedown operation to ensure victims’ lives are not compromised.
“Our dedicated teams remain relentless in their pursuit to ensure they rescue victims,” Masemola said.
“In the past two years, more than 200 kidnappers have been arrested, all thanks to the commitment of our dedicated teams.”
