Cape Town – Nine people, including a South African Police Services (SAPS) officer, were arrested in connection with a kidnapping syndicate that targeted Portuguese businessmen.
The group had abducted a 53-year-old man outside his business in Bramley but was later rescued by the SAPS National Anti-Kidnapping Task Team in Kempton Park.
“The Anti-Kidnapping Task Team pounced on the address where the businessman had been kept in Kempton Park and arrested four men and a woman,” said police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe.
Four men and a woman were arrested at the location where the businessman was held, and two women and a man were arrested at another address in Hillbrow.
#sapsHQ A Portuguese businessman (53) who was #kidnapped outside his business premises in Bramley on Monday evening has been rescued in Kempton Park on Tuesday afternoon and reunited with his family. A total of nine suspects have so far been arrested. NPhttps://t.co/Buuj2CsM6J pic.twitter.com/rKeCXUbQ3o
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) October 24, 2023
The syndicate was allegedly involved in at least five kidnapping cases involving Portuguese businessmen, where they demanded ransom payments from the victims’ families.
“The syndicate is alleged to be involved in at least five kidnapping cases where Portuguese businessmen were targeted. They would demand ransom payments from the victims’ families.
“No ransom payment was made at the time when police rescued the victim,” Mathe said.
The arrested police officer, aged 41, was taken into custody at his workplace.
#sapsHQ A 41-year-old police officer was also among those arrested. #SAPSNPC General Fannie Masemola said, “No member of the SAPS is above the law, irrespective of their rank. Police officers who are found on the wrong side of the law are dealt with accordingly.” NP
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) October 24, 2023
The National Commissioner of the SAPS, General Fannie Masemola says while the organisation is disappointed by the arrest of one of its own, it is pleasing to note that the organisation is ridding itself of corrupt elements.
“No member of the SAPS is above the law, irrespective of their rank. Police officers who are found on the wrong side of the law are dealt with accordingly. We will continue to root out rogue police officers from within our ranks”, said Masemola.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Picture: X/@SAPoliceService
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Betha Madhomu
