SAPS
A 34-year-old businessman who was kidnapped three days ago from Lenasia has been safely reunited with his family.
Luqman Kazi was arrested on Tuesday on his way to work.
Police spokesperson Colonel Athlenda Mathe says following the kidnapping a multidisciplinary team was assembled to rescue Kazi and apprehend his kidnappers.
She says during a midnight "takedown" operation on Thursday, the team simultaneously pounced on four identified addresses.
Colonel Mathe says at the first house in Lawley they rescued the victim, seized an unlicensed firearm and arrested three suspects.
She says at the other addresses in Lenasia the team arrested three more suspects including a 42-year-old Mozambican national, whom they believe is the mastermind behind a number of kidnappings in Gauteng.
Police also found and seized R6 million in cash, stashed neatly in boxes, which is believed to be ransom paid on other kidnapping cases.
The multidisciplinary team also confiscated an unlicensed AK47 rifle, ammunition, a hijacked VW polo that was utilised in the kidnapping of the businessman, military-grade signal jammers as well as various vehicle registration number plates.
All six suspects are facing charges of kidnapping, extortion, money laundering, possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition as well as possession of a hijacked motor vehicle.
The National Commissioner of the SAPS, General Khehla Sitole has applauded the team’s persistent efforts.
“This success would not have been possible if it wasn’t for the dedication and persistent efforts of members from the Crime Intelligence National Kidnapping Task Team, the Special Task Force (STF), Organised Crime Unit, Gauteng Flying Squad and Gauteng Province Saturation Unit, EMPD, Visible Policing and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI). We also appreciate the assistance by private security who continue to be our eyes and ears”.
