By Augustine Ehikioya
For allegedly kidnapping an Indian business man, Police officials have arrested four suspects in South Africa.
The suspects had posed as business men to deceive the Indian man.
A statement issued by Brigadier Athlenda Mathe of the South African Police Service, Office of the National Commissioner, has disclosed this. It was made available to Security Watch Africa (SWA).
It said “Four suspects have been arrested after an Indian businessman who had just landed at OR TAMBO International Airport from India was kidnapped.
“The victim was kidnapped on arrival on Friday, 20th of January, 2023. Preliminary investigations indicate that the Indian businessman was lured to South Africa by the syndicate that was posing as businessmen.
“After kidnapping him, the men made ransom demands to his family in India.”
The statement said that a multidisciplinary team consisting of various expertise within the SAPS was established, and on Tuesday, 23 January, 2023, the team traced the suspects to the Fordsburg area.
It went on “Four cellphones including the one used to communicate with the family was seized, as well as the victims watch and driver’s license was found in their possession.
“One firearm and several SIM cards were also seized. A substantial amount of money was also seized which is believed to be ransom payments.”
The four suspects, it said, will appear before the Kempton Park Magistrates court on Thursday, 26 January, 2023.
The ststement said that the four suspects will face kidnapping and extortion charges.
It also disclosed that the victim is safe and is receiving counselling.