Johannesburg – A 38-year-old man who was allegedly kidnapped in Johannesburg’s CBD has been rescued unharmed, while five suspects have been arrested in connection with a $2 million ransom demand.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) said the man was allegedly kidnapped on 30 August 2026, prompting an intelligence-driven investigation into the kidnapping and extortion case registered at Johannesburg Central Police Station.
“A kidnapped victim was rescued unharmed and five suspects arrested, following an intelligence-driven investigation into a kidnapping and extortion case registered at Johannesburg Central Police Station,” SAPS said in a statement.
According to the police, the suspects demanded two million dollars from the victim’s family in exchange for his release.
A multidisciplinary team involving Johannesburg Central detectives, Crime Intelligence, the Anti-Kidnapping Team, the Flying Squad and private security companies was assembled to locate the victim and identify those responsible.
The investigation led to the arrest of three men on Sunday, 4 October, after they were allegedly found in possession of the cellphone used to contact the victim’s family and demand the ransom.
“Further investigations led the team to a plot in Randfontein, where the kidnapped victim was located and safely rescued,” SAPS said.
Two more suspects were arrested at the premises where the victim was found.
All five suspects are expected to face charges of kidnapping and extortion, while the investigation remains ongoing.
SAPS did not disclose the identities of the suspects or the victim, nor did it indicate whether any ransom had been paid.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
