GP kidnappings: 2 suspects killed, businessman rescued
Police have confirmed two kidnappers have been shot dead and three others have been arrested during an operation to rescue a kidnapped businessman on the West Rand.
The 60-year-old victim was reportedly kidnapped at his business premises in Lenasia, south of Johannesburg, on the 29th of May.
According to police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe, the kidnappers contacted the man’s family shortly after the incident.
“The family started receiving a ransom demand of at least R15 million,” she said.
Officers pounced on the assailants at a house in Randfontein, following the arrest of an alleged Mozambican kidnapping kingpin earlier in the week.
“Police pounced on a house in Randfontein at around 3 pm this afternoon, where a shootout ensued. Two suspects were fatally wounded in the house, while three suspects were arrested,” said Mathe.
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Both the victim and officers on the scene were unharmed.
“The 60-year-old man was rescued and has been reunited with his family,” Mathe added.
Speaking to eNCA at the scene, the man’s son said it had been a torturous six weeks for the family, adding that his father was emotionally shaken.
In the first quarter of 2025, Gauteng recorded 144 kidnappings where ransom was demanded.
Meanwhile, over the past two years, more than 170 kidnappers have been arrested in the province.
Last month, another Mozambican alleged kidnapping kingpin was shot and killed during a shootout with police in Fourways.
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