The South African Police Service (SAPS) has reported that they have been making over 170 ransom-related arrests since January last year. And more than R1.2 million has been recovered and more than 100 victims rescued, mainly in Gauteng, and more than 40 vehicles used in kidnapping crimes were also seized by the team,” police confirmed. Police have shot and killed a Mozambican man wanted in connection with multiple kidnappings. Mauro Mucambe Junior had an outstanding warrant of arrest issued by Maputo police back in August 2024.
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The police’s anti-kidnapping unit was tracing a kidnapped Pakistani businessman when they encountered the wanted man (40) at a residential complex in Fourways. The operation began in Midrand where officers seized a Mercedes-Benz and an SUV while securing the arrest of two kidnapping suspects. They proceeded to Fourways where the task team announced their arrival and a shoot-out ensued.
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Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said following the incident, police identified the deceased suspect as a Mozambican kingpin wanted in connection with several kidnappings. “One unlicensed firearm used by the fatally wounded fugitive from justice was seized, including 10 rounds of ammunition. Four cellphones and four bank cards were also seized,” Mathe said. The kidnapped Pretoria businessman is still being held captive and a ransom demand was made to his family.
“Police have full faith and confidence in the work of the anti-kidnapping task team to rescue the kidnapped businessman,” Mathe said.
Bongi Sikelo 