The Hawks in the Eastern Cape have arrested one suspect they say is linked to the kidnapping of Dr Bongani Qini from Gqeberha.
Spokesperson for the Hawks Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana says 55-year-old Qini was released safely at midnight on Friday after he was abducted by four men at gunpoint from his surgery in Kwazakhele on Monday afternoon.
"The Hawks and Tactical Rescue Team worked around the clock on the case and around 23:00 on the 4th of July, information was received on Dr Qini’s whereabouts.
"He was rescued unharmed," Mhlakuvana said.
Mhlakuvana said R6000 and six cellphones belonging to his patients were robbed while an additional R50 000 in cash was stolen from his vehicle.
The vehicle used in the kidnapping was intercepted in Sidwell.
Mhlakuvana said Qini was also grieving the loss of his mother, who was on Friday yet to be buried.
The suspect was expected to appear at the New Brighton Magistrates court on Monday.
The Provincial Head Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya commended the joint effort of the team in ensuring the swift rescue of the doctor who is said to be a community builder in his environment.
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