Johannesburg – Three suspects have been arrested in connection with the alleged kidnapping of a 32-year-old man in Johannesburg, with police recovering two 9mm firearms during the operation.
The suspects, aged between 32 and 39, are expected to appear before a local magistrate’s court on a charge of kidnapping, according to the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Police said the victim was allegedly kidnapped in Jeppe on 20 August 2026, after which the suspects demanded a ransom for his release.
“The police in Eldorado Park received information about a 32-year-old man who was kidnapped at Jeppe on 20 August 2026. The suspects allegedly demanded a ransom for his release,” SAPS said in a statement.
Police said the information was immediately acted upon, leading officers to a vehicle believed to have been used by the suspects.
“The vehicle matching the description of the suspects was later spotted at Freedom Park informal settlement. The police swiftly approached the vehicle, and all three suspects were apprehended,” the police said.
The kidnapped man was rescued during the operation and was found unharmed.
“The victim was rescued unharmed,” SAPS said.
Police also recovered two 9mm firearms from the suspects. The weapons will undergo ballistic testing to establish whether they have been used in other crimes.
“Two 9mm firearms were recovered and will be subjected to ballistic testing to determine linkages to other crimes committed in the country,” SAPS said.
Preliminary investigations have established that the suspects are allegedly linked to George Goch hostel in Jeppe.
“Police preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were from George Goch hostel in Jeppe,” the statement said.
The motive for the alleged kidnapping and the circumstances surrounding the ransom demand have not been disclosed.
Police investigations are continuing as detectives work to establish whether the suspects could be linked to other criminal activities.
“The police investigations are continuing,” SAPS said.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
