Eight arrested in Joburg for kidnapping, extortion
Gauteng police have arrested eight suspects for the kidnapping and extortion of a man in Johannesburg earlier this month.
The suspects, believed to be part of a kidnapping syndicate, were arrested in Jeppe Hostel and Diepsloot over the weekend.
The victim was found in Mzihlophe hostel in Soweto and was reunited with his family.
According to police, the victim was travelling with his wife from work towards Booysens earlier this month when he was accosted by four armed men travelling in a minibus taxi.
"The victim was forced into the suspects' vehicle before it sped off, leaving the wife, who contacted the police," said Gauteng police spokesperson Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi.
"Following his kidnapping, the family began receiving a ransom demand, and it was also established that several withdrawals had been made from the victim's bank account,” she said.
Nevhuhulwi said the suspects have been linked to two more kidnapping cases opened last year in Jeppe and Diepsloot.
The suspects are expected to appear before the Lenasia Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
