Cape Town – Mpumalanga police arrested two suspects after they allegedly abducted a regional bank manager and demanded ransom over the weekend.
Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo said in a statement that the victim, 56, went for a jog around 09:00 on Saturday when he was allegedly abducted not far from his home in Welgelegen on the city’s outskirts.
The abductors later contacted the relatives of the victim and demanded a substantial amount of money in return for his safe release.
“The matter was reported to the police and the detectives from the Provincial Investigation Unit, Crime Intelligence and Organised Crimes Unit, Tactical Response Team joined by hostage negotiators immediately started with investigations and gathered all the information in a bid to rescue the victim.
“The ransom money was then dropped off at the agreed pickup point. The suspects came driving in two BMW motor vehicles, white and black in colour and immediately fled the scene after picking up the money with the victim still inside one of their vehicles,” said Mojapelo.
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A high-speed pursuit ensued and the driver of one of the BMWs, carrying the abducted victim, lost control, swerved into the nearby bushes and came to a halt.
“Two suspects were ultimately arrested after they apparently got shot. The others managed to flee the scene in the white BMW sedan.
“The victim was also injured during the shootout incident and was taken to the hospital where he is in a stable condition. The money was also recovered and the other BMW confiscated,” Mojapelo said.
The suspects aged 25 and 28 were taken to the hospital and kept under heavy police guard.
They were scheduled to appear before the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court.
Police appealed to the public to come forward with any information that can assist in the apprehension of the remaining suspects.
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Compiled by Sinothando Siyolo
