Free State – A 29-year-old kidnapping victim has been rescued and six men arrested after a coordinated police operation uncovered the victim bound inside a garage at a house in Welkom, Free State.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) said the arrests followed a joint operation involving the Free State Provincial Murder and Robbery Unit, the Welkom K9 Unit and the Parkweg Tactical Response Team (TRT).
According to SAPS, the victim was allegedly abducted at gunpoint from his home in Steyn on Friday, 24 July.
Police said the incident was reported to Welkom police and the Provincial Murder and Robbery Unit based in Thabong.
“It was discovered that the family of the victim received phone calls from the alleged suspects demanding an undisclosed ransom amount for the release of the victim,” SAPS said.
The Welkom K9 Unit and the TRT were activated, and intelligence led officers to a house in Flamingo Park.
“Police utilised their tactical expertise to approach and surround the identified house. Upon noticing the police, the suspects attempted to flee but were quickly apprehended,” the police said.
During a search of the property, officers found the kidnapped man inside the garage.
“Upon further investigation at the house, police discovered the male victim (29) inside the garage with both hands tied behind his back. He was found in a severe state of shock. He sustained injuries to the back of the head and bruises on his hands and feet,” SAPS said.
Police arrested six men, aged between 28 and 46.
Authorities also seized two handguns, ammunition and three vehicles during the operation.
“Further investigations revealed that one of the vehicles was reportedly stolen in Winburg,” SAPS said.
The suspects are expected to appear in the Welkom Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 27 July, on charges of kidnapping, extortion, possession of unlicensed firearms and possession of a suspected stolen vehicle.
Police said investigations into the case are continuing.
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Picture: Facebook/SAPS
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
