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A suspect who was out on bail on a car hijacking and vehicle theft charge was shot dead by police who were investigating the kidnapping and murder of a Benoni businessman.
National police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, said the suspect was killed on Tuesday night on the N12 between Kliprivier and Xavier off-ramp in Johannesburg by members of the SAPS anti-kidnapping task team.
“The multidisciplinary team consisting of SAPS counterintelligence teams, visible policing, detectives and private security were tracing suspects linked to the kidnapping of a Benoni businessman, Shamshudeen Faki.
“The 68-year-old businessman was kidnapped at his business premises on Saturday, 11 May 2024. An undisclosed amount of ransom money worth millions was immediately made to the family.
“It’s alleged the victim died in the custody of his kidnappers,” said Mathe.
The businessman’s body was found by a CPF patroller in Dalpark in Johannesburg on Monday.
Mathe said the team followed up on information and traced this suspect to the N12 where a shootout ensued on Tuesday evening.
“The suspect was found in possession of Mr Faki’s identity documents, a blue light, licensed number plates used in the commission of the kidnapping, and two firearms including a pistol and a revolver.
“This criminal was found to be linked to at least 29 vehicle theft and car hijacking cases and was circulated as a wanted suspect,” Mathe added.
She said police were still searching for the man’s accomplices in the Faki kidnapping case.
Mathe said at least 250 suspects linked to kidnappings for ransom were arrested in the last two years.
