Five suspects arrested in a foiled kidnapping

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Five suspects have been arrested following an intelligence driven operation which led to the foiling of a kidnapping in Melrose Arch on Friday. 

Police said they have been working on information received of a South African woman who was planning for her employer to be kidnapped and forced to withdraw large sums of money from her business bank account.

Through intelligence tactics and working closely with the target who was supposed to be kidnapped, a mock kidnapping was planned, revealed national police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe. 

Although she refused to go into detail on how the operation was executed, however, Brig. Mathe stated that a mock kidnapping and play along was put into effect to ensure the syndicate is taken down.

“Two South Africans, two Ugandans and one Malawian national were arrested while planning to withdraw the money that had been ‘transferred’ following the ‘kidnapping’ of this ‘female employer’. 

“Three vehicles were seized including a Range Rover, a Toyota Ayga and a white Polo Vivo as well as ten cell phones were also confiscated,” she explained. 

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Meanwhile, a man accused of killing his wife, who was a magistrate has appeared in the Heilbron district court, Free State.

Lehlohonolo Makotoane, is facing a charge of premeditated murder, defeating the administration of justice, kidnapping as well as contravention of the immigration act.

National Prosecuting Authority regional spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane said the accused was arrested in Lesotho after the body of his wife, magistrate Mamello Thamae, was found in the car.

He added that after an extradition process, the accused was finally extradited to South Africa on 21 August 2024.

The matter has been postponed to Wednesday, September 4, for an attorney whilst the accused is remanded in custody until his next appearance.