Kidnap victim rescued and two arrests made
The police national anti-kidnapping task team rescued a 30-year-old kidnap victim on Friday and arrested two suspects during an operation in Germiston on the East Rand.
According to police spokesperson Lt-Col Amanda van Wyk, the victim's vehicle was reportedly found abandoned in Dawnpark.
'Further investigation revealed that the owner of the vehicle had been kidnapped and was being held against his will,' Van Wyk said.
Within 24 hours, intelligence directed the task team to an identified address in Germiston. With support from a tactical unit, the team entered the premises and rescued the victim.
'Two suspects were arrested at the scene, while others managed to flee during a shoot-out with police. The rescued victim confirmed he had been kidnapped on Thursday'
Last week police traced a Mozambican kidnapping kingpin to an apartment block in Fourways, Johannesburg. The suspect, linked to several kidnappings, was fatally wounded in a shoot-out with police.
'The SAPS remains resolute in its commitment to dismantling kidnapping syndicates and bringing perpetrators to justice,' Van Wyk said.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
2 hours ago
- IOL News
Investigating the Crime Intelligence scandal: SAPS linked to property purchases
A new information has revealed that the unit is in the process of purchasing two properties in Durban, through a company linked to members of SAPS. Image: SAPS Crime Intelligence has been rocked by another scandal as the new information has revealed that the unit is in the process of purchasing two properties in Durban, through a company linked to members of SAPS. The properties would be purchased through Matla Storage (Pty) Limited, which was set up last year. The directors of two police officers who are stationed in Pretoria - Captain Madumetja Mabusela and Nomzamo Nqwelo. Certified fraud examiner and founder of Forensics for Justice, Paul O'Sullivan, forwarded this information to the National Prosecuting Authorities' Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) and Office of the Inspector-General for Intelligence (OIGI). It is believed that the purchase has been approved. This comes as investigations into the alleged looting of the Crime Intelligence secret account continue following the arrest of Dumisani Khumalo, the head of the division, and seven others. Khumalo was arrested at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg this week after what authorities described as an 'extensive' investigation into the allegedly unlawful acquisition of two high-value properties. The properties include a boutique hotel in Pretoria North, Gauteng, reportedly purchased for R22.7 million and a commercial building in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, valued at R22.8m. Both acquisitions are alleged to have been made without the requisite ministerial approval. It has been alleged that Khumalo and the National Commissioner, Fannie Masemola, received kickbacks from these deals. The City Press on Sunday reported that Masemola could be arrested for the irregular procurement of crime intelligence buildings worth more than R120 million. For the two properties in Durban, it has been alleged that Matla Storage has drawn up the memorandum motivating the expenditure of R38m plus R10m in purported transfer costs. In the application for funds, seen by Independent Newspapers, the offer to purchase was accepted by the seller on December 30, 2024, for a purchase price of R22.8m in terms of the agreement. A deposit of R2m was paid on January 7, 2025. This was signed by Mabusela, who is also the supply chain management, and the acting head of finance and administration, Colonel S Mayekiso, as well as the chief financial officer, Major General Lushaba. Mabusela did not respond to messages and calls. Nqwelo also dropped the call when asked to respond. Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said the SAPS does not comment on any aspect related to the crime intelligence space. IDAC spokesperson Henry Mamothame said the division cannot comment on matters under investigation or the sources of our investigations. 'Matters are referred to IDAC in terms of Sec 27 of the NPA Act and can be referred to us by anyone,' he said. OIGI spokesperson, Nomsa Mlambo, said the Inspector General will formally respond to the question on Monday (tomorrow). Masemola also did not respond to calls and messages. O'Sullivan said the involvement of the two police officials amounts to a conflict of interest. 'It is noted that both buildings are fully tenanted and use thereof for police officials cannot be obtained until they have been vacated." 'It is not stated what will happen to the rental income on both buildings, after same have been purchased, but before same are put to use by the police,' said O'Sullivan, adding that although the memorandum states that the transfer costs will be in the order of R10 million, it is clear that this is grossly exaggerated. 'Although the information note states that they will comply with the PFMA, they then go on to motivate why the purchase should be done in secret and without providing the best value for taxpayers' money. The shroud of secrecy being constantly used for buying high-priced immovable properties seems to be ultra vires the PFMA.' 'Finally, I have no idea if the heads stated in the motivation note are real heads or fictitious heads, to generate the 'need' to spend so much taxpayer funds. If the numbers are correct, the high levels of crime in Durban seem to indicate that the police officials are not actually working,' O'Sullivan said. The Crime Intelligence secret service account, also known as a slush fund, is allocated more than R600 million annually, which is used to pay police informants nationwide in exchange for information about criminal syndicates and their activities. Due to the nature of the transactions, there is little to no security of how the funds are used. Meanwhile, the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) head of justice and violence prevention, Gareth Newham, said the recent arrests show that criminal activity occurs at the highest level of the leadership of this division. 'If corruption occurs at the top, you can be sure it occurs at all levels of this division. Hopefully, these arrests are the beginning of a wholesale clean-up of this division.' Newham added that Crime Intelligence capacity should be decentralised so that its capacity that is not tainted by involvement in crime and corruption, is allocated to specialised units tackling organised crime and corruption, such as the Hawks, the IDAC, and the SAPS Anti-Corruption Unit. 'Moreover, intelligence capacity should be made available to support detectives and visible policing across all SAPS districts and stations to ensure that those involved in crimes harming our communities are effectively targeted and dismantled,' he said.
The Citizen
2 hours ago
- The Citizen
Chikunga urges stronger GBV fight as stats paint grim picture
The Saps recorded 969 women murdered, over 11 000 rape cases, and nearly 15 000 assault cases involving women. Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, has called for a 'more deliberate partnership' between government and the Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) Response Fund to combat the ongoing scourge of violence against women. Chikunga delivered these remarks during a recent engagement with the Fund's leadership in Sandton, Johannesburg, where she stressed the urgency of aligning public and private responses. 'Let today mark the beginning of a more deliberate partnership, one rooted in shared responsibility, mutual respect, and an unwavering commitment to justice,' said Chikunga. 'Dire' statistics demand urgent action The minister warned that gender-based violence and femicide remain a national and global crisis. According to Chikunga, between January and March 2025, the South African Police Service (Saps) recorded 969 women murdered, over 11 000 rape cases, and nearly 15 000 assault cases involving women. 'Each of these numbers is a tragedy [and] a call to action,' she said. 'Violence continues where women should feel safest — in homes, workplaces, and places of worship.' Chikunga also drew attention to the plight of women with disabilities, noting that many experience violence without access to justice. 'These are the hidden faces of gender-based violence and femicide.' ALSO READ: 'Declare Limpopo a GBV disaster zone' – ANCWL GBVF Fund praised The GBVF Response Fund, which has reached over 772 000 people nationwide, was lauded for its efforts. However, Chikunga stressed the importance of coordination. 'We believe this is a critical moment to strengthen alignment… to ensure that survivors across all communities are supported with care and dignity.' Fund leadership, including interim CEO Zanele Ngwepe and Board Chairperson Faith Khanyile, joined the engagement with officials from the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities. ALSO READ: Protection orders and police 'failing victims of GBV' National Council reforms in the pipeline Chikunga confirmed that the long-awaited National Council on GBVF will be operational by April 2026 and will anchor implementation of the National Strategic Plan. She also announced the expansion of Thuthuzela Care Centres, a GBVF Dashboard, and 100-Day Challenge models to boost frontline responses. 'This work is not easy. But it is a non-negotiable because there can be no freedom… where women and LGBTQIA+ individuals live in fear,' said Chikunga. She concluded by inviting the Fund to support ongoing legislative efforts, including the Women Empowerment and Gender Equality (WEGE) Bill. NOW READ: Are police winning the war on gender-based violence?
IOL News
4 hours ago
- IOL News
Hijackers target Gauteng as demand for stolen vehicles rises sharply
According to figures from the South African Police Services (SAPS), an average of 66 cars are forcefully taken from drivers each day, marking a significant rise from levels seen before the COVID-19 pandemic. Gauteng province has the highest number of hijackings, making this a serious concern across South Africa. The province accounts for nearly half of all reported cases. This was revealed in data showing a sharp increase in incidents involving popular car brands. According to figures from the South African Police Services (SAPS), an average of 66 cars are forcefully taken from drivers each day, marking a significant rise from levels seen before the COVID-19 pandemic. This alarming trend highlights the growing sophistication and boldness of criminal networks targeting motorists. The Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal also report elevated hijacking rates, each contributing approximately 14 percent to the national total. It's important to note that these numbers specifically refer to hijackings involving threats or violence; the number of total vehicle thefts, including non-violent ones, exceeds 40 000 annually. Security experts and insurance companies have been warning of this surge. Fidelity Services Group noted earlier this year that the first half of 2024 would likely see a rise in hijackings. That prediction has since proven accurate, with particular models repeatedly appearing on high-risk lists. Criminals generally select vehicles based on market demand, often stripping them for parts or reselling them in other countries. Among the most targeted brands are Toyota, Volkswagen, Ford, and Nissan. Specific models such as the Toyota RAV4 and Corolla Cross have become increasingly sought-after by hijackers. The Corolla Cross, though only introduced in South Africa in late 2021, quickly rose in popularity, selling over 22,000 units in 2024 and consistently ranking among the top-selling vehicles in the country. Other vehicles frequently listed as high-risk include the BMW 3 Series, Ford Ranger, Hyundai i20, Nissan NP200, Toyota Etios, Fortuner, Hilux, Prado, Land Cruiser, and various VW Polo models. These vehicles are not only popular locally but are also in demand across the continent, especially due to the availability of spare parts. Some cars, particularly four-wheel drives and utility vehicles, are also targeted for their ability to handle rough terrain, making them ideal for cross-border smuggling. Fidelity reports that about 30 percent of stolen or hijacked vehicles are taken into neighbouring countries. In one recent operation, authorities recovered several vehicles — including a Toyota Fortuner, an Isuzu bakkie, and a Land Rover Discovery — at a property in Kibler Park, Johannesburg. These cars were allegedly en route to Eswatini, linked to a syndicate smuggling vehicles across borders. Additionally, there has been a noticeable uptick in hijackings involving delivery vehicles. Criminals now often target vehicles not just for the cars themselves, but for the valuable cargo they carry. Models like the Hyundai H100 are commonly affected, as online shopping and deliveries have increased dramatically. To minimise risk, security professionals advise staying alert, especially when approaching or leaving your home. If you suspect you're being followed, head to the nearest police station or a busy, well-lit area. If confronted, avoid resisting—most hijackers are armed, and resistance could escalate the danger. Awareness and caution remain the most effective personal defence.
