Gauteng kidnapping syndicate ‘mastermind’ finally revealed

This week, the National Anti Kidnapping Task Team made a big arrest. According to the special police unit, the man and his associates have “masterminded” some of the biggest kidnapping incidents and ransom demands across Gauteng. With the number of high-profile kidnappings having risen greatly in the last few years, the team was created in November last year to get big results. It seems like it’s getting them.

Gauteng kidnapping syndicate kingpin to appear in court

The syndicate busted this week is currently linked to three kidnappings. Two of the victims were released after a ransom was paid, one is still in captivity despite the arrest.

ALSO READ – Ukraine invasion latest: Ramaphosa reportedly ‘unhappy’ over flip-flop

“An intelligence-driven operation led the Task Team to an identified address on Wednesday 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.”

SAPS Colonel Athlenda Mathe

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.

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.

Kingpin set to make first court appearence on Monday

Speaking on eNCA, SAPS Spokesperson Colonel Athlenda Mathe revealed that one of the victims allegedly of this particular syndicate is still in captivity.

“This is one of the kingpins of several groups that have been identified. These groupings operate in different provinces. We are looking at a number of hotspot provinces within the country. The first is Gauteng as well as the Western Cape.”

The four arrested men are set to make their first court appearance in Gauteng on Monday.

ALSO READ – More trouble: Police warn of rise in crime after State of Disaster finally ends

National crime statistics reveal that the murder rate in the country has risen again. Murder cases are up by 9.2% nationally. Police are now also warning of a rise in all crime once the national State of Disaster comes to an end.

President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to lift the national State of Disaster in March. But while we have not been under hard lockdown for some time now, the Gauteng Police Commissioner is warning that crime will increase once it comes to an end.