The police in Gauteng rescued a 55-year-old Pakistani businessman in Evaton yesterday and arrested four suspects. According to the police, the victim was kidnapped in Graaff-Reinet, Eastern Cape.

KIDNAPPERS POSED AS IMMIGRATION OFFICIALS

Police spokesperson Amanda van Wyk said the businessman was kidnapped by an unknown group of individuals who introduced themselves to the victim as immigration officials. "According to preliminary reports, the victim allegedly accompanied the suspects to the nearest police station but never returned home. The victim's family subsequently reported the kidnapping to the police after the kidnappers had allegedly demanded a ransom for the release of the victim," said Van Wyk.

SUSPECTS ARRESTED

According to Va Wyk, two South Africans and two Pakistani nationals were arrested for kidnapping in different locations in Gauteng yesterday following an intelligence-led operation. She added that the operation, comprising a multi-disciplinary team comprising members from National Crime Intelligence, the Hawks in the Eastern Cape, the Soweto Flying Squad, and private security, led to the arrest of the first suspect in Killarney. She added that the suspect led the team to the location of the victim in Evaton, where two more kidnappers were arrested. A fourth alleged kidnapper was arrested in Benoni. "A vehicle that was used in the commission of the crime was also seized. The four suspects are expected to appear before court soon while further investigations continue," said Van Wyk. The team also seized an illegal firearm and a vehicle during this operation.