POLICE have rescued a regional bank manager after he was allegedly abducted.
Two suspects, aged 25 and 28, were bust after a car chase and shoot-out in Westernburg, outside Polokwane in Limpopo, on Saturday 14 May.
The bank manager (56) went for a jog in the morning when he was allegedly abducted by the suspects. The abductors later contacted his relatives and demanded money for his release.
The money was dropped off at the agreed pickup point and the suspects came driving two BMW vehicles. This led to a car chase with the police, during which one of the BMWs lost control and swerved into the bushes.
Two suspects were arrested and the victim was rescued but injured.
Limpopo police spokesman Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo said an operation conducted by a team of investigators, assisted by the tactical response team and hostage negotiators, led to the man’s rescue and the arrest of two suspects.
“The abductors demanded a substantial amount of money in return for his safe release,” he said.
Mojapelo said the matter was reported to the police and they immediately started with investigations. He said the ransom money was then dropped off at the agreed pickup point.
“The suspects came driving in two BMW vehicles and immediately fled the scene after picking up the money, with the victim still inside one of their vehicles,” said Mojapelo.
“A high speed car chase ensued and the driver of one of the vehicles, carrying the abducted victim, lost control, swerved into the nearby bushes and came to a halt. Two suspects were ultimately arrested after they apparently got shot.”
The victim was injured during the shoot-out and was taken to the hospital, where he is in a stable condition. The money was recovered and the BMW was confiscated.
“The two suspects are currently in hospital under heavy police guard and will appear before the Polokwane Magistrates Court soon, facing charges of abduction, extortion and attempted murder,” said Mojapelo.
