Kidnapped businessman rescued in Soweto

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A businessman who was reportedly kidnapped last week in Southgate has been rescued by the police in Soweto. 

The Portuguese who owns a butchery in Johannesburg, was held captive in Nancefield hostel. 

Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed that the man has been reunited with his family. 

Brig. Mathe said the man was kidnapped for ransom payment but no payment was made as a direct result of police acting swiftly. 

“As soon as the matter was brought to the attention of the police, a team was assembled and the team worked around the clock to find the victim alive. 

“A takedown operation was executed on Thursday afternoon, where two suspects who are believed to be the drivers of the getaway vehicles were arrested. 

“At about 22:30 on Thursday evening, the team descended onto the Nancefield Hostel in Soweto where the businessman was found tied up and guarded,” she explained. 

#sapsHQ [#Kidnapping VICTIM RESCUED ]
An intelligence driven operation led by the SAPS Special Task Force unit have rescued a Portuguese businessman from Nancefield hostel in Soweto where he was being held captive. Five suspects were arrested and no ransom was paid due to the… pic.twitter.com/mPgn1lqqYX

— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) July 5, 2024

Mathe revealed that one more suspect was arrested at the hostel and further information led the team to a house in White City where two other suspects were found. 

She added; “The victims bank cards and wallet were found in their possession.”

Kidnapped outside his business premises

Earlier this week, another Portuguese businessman was rescued from a house in Soweto. He had been kidnapped outside his business premises as well. 

Meanwhile, police commissioner General Fannie Masemola has applauded the men and women in blue for ensuring that victims lives are not compromised and are found alive. 

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“Our dedicated teams remain relentless in their pursuit to ensure  they rescue victims.

“From January to date, 13 businessmen and at least six students were rescued without ransom payment being made. This is as a result of the expertise and capabilities of our teams.

“In the past two years more than 200 kidnappers have been arrested and all thanks to the commitment of our dedicated teams,” Gen Masemola concluded.