KEY POINTS
- A Pakistani businessman was kidnapped in Eastern Cape by fake officials.
- Police arrested four suspects in Gauteng and rescued the victim.
- Authorities seized an illegal firearm and a vehicle used in the crime.
During an intelligence-led operation throughout Gauteng on Thursday, police apprehended four alleged kidnappers, two of whom were South Africans and two of whom were Pakistanis, and rescued a 55-year-old Pakistani businessman.
Businessman kidnapped by fake immigration officials in Eastern Cape
During the operation, police confiscated a car and an illegal weapon, according to police spokesperson Lt. Col. Amanda van Wyk.
Preliminary findings state that someone posing as immigration officers abducted the victim last month in Graaff-Reinet, Eastern Cape. He never came home after the suspects allegedly persuaded him to go with them to a police station.
According to Iol, after the suspects allegedly requested a ransom to free him, his family reported the kidnapping. To find the suspects, a multidisciplinary law enforcement team comprising the Soweto Flying Squad, DPCI TOMS, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (HAWKS), National Crime Intelligence, and private security began an operation.
In Killarney, authorities detained the first suspect, who subsequently guided detectives to the victim’s residence in Evaton, where two further suspects were captured. In Benoni, the fourth suspect was taken into custody.
It is anticipated that the four defendants will shortly appear in Magistrates’ Court. The investigations are still in progress.
Similar case: Eastern Cape businesswoman rescued after six days
In another incident, on February 13, 2025, 43-year-old businesswoman Juan Yang was abducted while driving to Kenako Mall to shut down one of her shops. In February, authorities were able to free her.
Later, her white Volkswagen Polo was discovered in KwaZakhele, abandoned. After the matter was turned over to the Hawks, she was saved thanks to their prompt action.
According to Hawks spokesperson Col. Avele Fumba, “her abrupt disappearance and loss of communication prompted an immediate response from law enforcement.”
