The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) Operations officers successfully apprehended one suspect and rescued a kidnapping victim following an incident on the R82 south of Johannesburg, on Tuesday, 13 May.
While conducting a routine crime prevention roadblock on the R82, JMPD officers stopped a Toyota sedan. The driver of the vehicle immediately exited and approached the officers with money in hand. This suspicious behaviour prompted the officers to investigate further. Upon approaching the vehicle, officers discovered three other male passengers inside.
One of the passengers was found to be restrained with ropes. When questioned about the situation, three individuals fled the scene on foot. One of the fleeing suspects was apprehended by the officers. Subsequent probing revealed that the restrained individual was a victim of kidnapping. The arrested suspect was found to be in possession of the victim’s bank card. The victim reported that the perpetrators had spent an undisclosed amount on food and had withdrawn R3,000, which is his daily limit. The victim indicated that he was taken from his residence and was unsure of his final destination, although the vehicle was travelling in the direction of Lenasia.
The arrested suspect has been charged with kidnapping and pointing of a firearm. He was detained at the Mondeor South SAPS and is due to appear in court soon. The remaining three suspects are still at large, and it is suspected that one of the fleeing suspects is in possession of a firearm. JMPD Chief of Police, Commissioner Patrick Jaca commends the vigilance and swift action of the officers, which led to the rescue of the victim and the arrest of one suspect.
JMPD urged members of the public who may have any information regarding the remaining suspects to come forward and contact the JMPD on 0800 002 587, 011 375 5911/18, or the SAPS at the National Crime Stop number 08600 10111.
Issued by the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department Communication Unit
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