THE police’s multi-disciplinary team has been able to prevent a kidnapping for ransom of a minor.
A 55-year-old man has since been arrested during a police sting operation in Lenasia, south of Joburg, on Friday, 11 November.
The suspect was allegedly planning to commit acts of kidnapping and extortion of a minor.
According to police spokeswoman Colonel Athlenda Mathe, the man was arrested during an operation led by a multi-disciplinary team consisting of various experts in the SAPS, in collaboration with private security personnel.
She said the team consisting of the SAPS Anti-Kidnapping Task Team, Crime Intelligence, Organised Crime, K9 and the JMPD has been following up on information that a minor would be kidnapped and a hefty ransom would be demanded for their release.
“The team immediately operationalised the information and moved in to arrest the man at a restaurant where a planning meeting was held to discuss the execution of the kidnapping,” said Mathe.
“The team moved in swiftly to arrest the man who led the team to a number of properties where two unlicensed and one licensed firearms were recovered. A farm that was alleged to be used as a safe house to keep the minor was also identified and searched.”
Mathe said cellphones, SIM cards, laptops, false identity documents, a variety of ammunition and a white Range Rover were also seized.
“The family of the minor are receiving the necessary support. The suspect faces a charge of conspiracy to commit kidnapping and extortion,” she said.
National police commissioner General Fannie Masemola said Friday’s arrest of an Indian man was but one of the cops’ successes to ensure that police officers squeeze the space for criminals to operate in.
He said police were ushering in a season of heightened visibility to prevent and combat any form of criminality taking place in Mzansi.
Masemola said to date, police have arrested 116 suspects who have been involved in kidnappings for ransom.
“Police are determined and will continue working hard to prevent and combat kidnappings and all other forms of criminality. This arrest should serve as a deterrent to those involved in kidnapping cases where ransom demands are made,” he added.
