PICS | R15m ransom plot foiled! – Cops gun down kidnappers in daring rescue of businessman

Businessman

Johannesburg – A 60-year-old businessman who was kidnapped in Lenasia on 29 May has been rescued following a high-stakes intelligence-driven operation led by the South African Police Service (SAPS) Anti-Kidnapping Task Team.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed that the man was found alive on Thursday afternoon at a house in Randfontein, where a dramatic shootout unfolded between law enforcement and the suspected kidnappers.

“Police were following up on intelligence on the whereabouts of a businessman who was kidnapped… The family began receiving a ransom demand of at least R15 million,” said Mathe.

At approximately 15:15, SAPS officers raided the Randfontein premises. During the operation, two suspects were fatally wounded, and three others were arrested. The victim was successfully rescued and has since been reunited with his family.

The multi-disciplinary operation involved SAPS Crime Intelligence, Organised Crime, the K9 Unit, Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD), Gauteng Flying Squad, Gauteng Highway Patrol, and private security companies.

According to SAPS, Gauteng has recorded 144 ransom-related kidnappings between January and March 2025. Over the past two years, more than 170 suspected kidnappers have been arrested across the country through the work of the anti-kidnapping task team.

This latest operation follows the fatal shooting of a Mozambican kidnapping kingpin last month in Fourways during a police operation to trace a kidnapped Pakistani businessman.

Police say investigations are ongoing.

Follow African Insider on Facebook, X and Instagram

Picture: X/@SAPoliceService

For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com

Compiled by Betha Madhomu

Article written by