File
A Pakistani business owner who was kidnapped in Graaff-Reinet in the Eastern Cape has been rescued by police in Evaton in Gauteng.
Lieutenant-Colonel Amanda van Wyk said four people, two South Africans and two Pakistani nationals, were arrested in different locations on Thursday, following an intelligence-driven operation.
She said the team also seized an illegal firearm and a vehicle during this operation.
“According to a preliminary report, the victim was kidnapped in Graaff-Reinet, Eastern Cape earlier last month by an unknown group of individuals who introduced themselves to the victim as immigration officials.
“The victim allegedly accompanied these individuals to the nearest police station but never returned home,” Van Wyk said.
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.
Van Wyk said an intelligence led operation led the multi-disciplinary team, and private security, to arrest an alleged kidnapper in Killarney where an unlicensed firearm was also seized.
“This suspect led the team to the location of the victim in Evaton where two more kidnappers were arrested.
“Further investigation resulted in the arrest of a fourth kidnapper in Benoni. A vehicle which was used in the commission of the crime was also seized,” Van Wyk said.
The suspects are expected to appear before a magistrates' court soon, while the investigation continues.
