Special Task Force rescue kidnapped victims in Benoni

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The South African Police Service( SAPS) elite Special Task Force (STF) unit has rescued two kidnapped victims at an informal settlement in Crystal Park, Benoni on Monday afternoon. 

A 64-year-old man and a 34-year-old man were both kidnapped while driving along Putfontein Road in Crystal Park on Sunday. 

Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed that the kidnappers immediately began making ransom demands to their families. 

She said the South African Police Service was notified and a team led by the Special Task Force was mobilised. 

“On Monday afternoon, the team pounced on the kidnappers where a shootout ensued. One kidnapper was shot and killed, one was wounded and taken to hospital and the other four were arrested and taken into police custody. 

“The SAPS assures communities that maybe victims of this type of crime, that it has the necessary expertise and capabilities to intercept and takedown syndicates involved in kidnappings where ransom demands are made. Last week, six kidnappers were arrested and two businessmen were rescued,” she explained. 

Brig. Mathe urged communities to immediately report to their nearest police station or call the crime stop hotline number if any of their relatives or friends fall victim to these kidnappers.

Meanwhile, a 32-year-old father was sentenced to 18 years’ imprisonment for the rape of his son.

According to Free State police spokesperson Captain Loraine Earle, on 17 September 2023 at about 22:00 a seven-year-old boy reported to his mother about alleged sexual abuse by his father.

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Cpt Earle stated that the shocked and distraught mother took the child to the doctor for a medical examination and the doctor confirmed the sexual assault.

“The matter was reported to Bloemspruit police station and taken to Mangaung Family Violence and Sexual Offenses Unit, where it was investigated by Sergeant Evodia Maseko, who, upon receipt of the docket, consulted with the National Prosecuting Authority, Advocate York and the suspect was arrested,” she concluded.