The police’s Special Task Force Unit, in an intelligence-driven operation, has rescued a second Portuguese businessman – this time from the Nancefield hostel in Soweto where he was being held captive.
The man, who owns a Waltloo butchery in Johannesburg, was kidnapped last week at the Southgate Mall and a ransom demand was made to his family.
A sting operation was executed on Thursday afternoon and two suspects who are believed to be the drivers of the getaway vehicles were arrested.
The team then found the victim tied up and guarded at the hostel, where one more suspect was arrested. Further information led the team to a house in White City, Soweto, where two other suspects were found.
Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe says this was the second kidnapping victim who was rescued in Soweto this week.
“On Monday, we also executed a takedown operation and the businessman was rescued. So we have applauded members of the SAPS for always ensuring a well-coordinated and executed takedown operation that will ensure victims’ lives are not compromised and are found alive. Our dedicated teams remain relentless in their pursuit to ensure they rescue victims. From January to date, 13 businessmen and at least six students were rescued without ransom payment being made.”
#sapsHQ [#Kidnapping VICTIM RESCUED ]
An intelligence driven operation led by the SAPS Special Task Force unit have rescued a Portuguese businessman from Nancefield hostel in Soweto where he was being held captive. Five suspects were arrested and no ransom was paid due to the… pic.twitter.com/mPgn1lqqYX— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) July 5, 2024
