Lerato Mbhiza
THE South African Police Services have made a breakthrough in dismantling a syndicate said to be behind at least five kidnappings involving Portuguese businessmen who were targeted for ransom.
Police said nine suspects have been arrested so far.
The latest victim of the syndicate was kidnapped outside his business premises in Bramley on Monday evening by the SAPS National Anti-Kidnapping Task Team.
The police unit pounced on a house in Kempton Park on Tuesday afternoon where they found the 53-year-old businessman unharmed.
Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said the victim has since been rescued and reunited with his family.
Four men and a woman were arrested in the Kempton Park saga.
“The 53-year-old businessman was found safe and unharmed by the SAPS National Anti-Kidnapping Task Team at a house in Kempton Park on Tuesday afternoon.
“The Anti-Kidnapping Task Team pounced on the address where the businessman had been kept in Kempton Park and arrested four men and a woman.
“At another identified address in Hillbrow, two women and a man were also arrested,” said Mathe, adding that one of the suspects is a 41-year-old police officer who was arrested at his place of work.
She added that no ransom payment was made by the time police rescued the victim.
The National Commissioner of the SAPS, General Fannie Masemola said while the organisation was disappointed by the arrest of one of its own members, it was pleasing to note that the SAPS was ridding itself of corrupt elements.
“No member of the SAPS is above the law, irrespective of their rank,” said Masemola.
“Police officers who are found on the wrong side of the law will be dealt with accordingly. We will continue to root out rogue police officers from within our ranks.”
Police said the task team have arrested 70 suspects allegedly linked to kidnappings in Gauteng alone, since April.
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