Gauteng ‘kidnapping kingpin’ nabbed by SAPS

High profile kidnappings have become a lot more common to South Africans in the last few years. From prominent businessmen to the mysterious case of the Moti brothers. Gauteng police say they made a big breakthrough this week, by arresting a 37-year-old man described as the “mastermind and kingpin” behind several kidnappings.

National Anti Kidnapping Task Team make big bust

The man is believed to be behind multiple high-profile kidnappings and ransom demands across Gauteng and Mozambique. SAPS Colonel Athlenda Mathe says the arrest was made on Wednesday afternoon. Drugs were also found during the arrest.

“An intelligence-driven operation led the Task Team to an identified address in Brackenhurst where the team pounced on the alleged kingpin and his three associates. At this address, police found and seized three high powered vehicles, 6 000 tablets of Mandrax, hard cash, a receipt of sale for a R1,9 million property in Bryanston, several high-end luxury brand clothing.”

Police say the cash, drugs and property were all allegedly acquired thanks to money from ransom payments. Three other men believed to be involved in the syndicate were also arrested.

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SAPS task team getting results

The National Anti Kidnapping Task Team was launched in November 2021 after the alarming rise of kidnappings. After this week’s bust, the team says it is also closing in on several other syndicates across the country.

The syndicate arrested this week is allegedly responsible for the kidnapping of an Indian national who was taken in Lenasia in November last year. The same group is said to be behind a double kidnapping a month earlier. The two victims had just driven in from Mozambique when their convoy was attacked.