Seven arrested for kidnapping Wits student

The student was reported missing on Tuesday by his roommate.

 Spokesperson Brenda Muridili says he was reportedly lured through the dating site Grindr.

"The suspects demanded R30 000 from his family for his safe return," he says.

Muridili said a number of law enforcement agencies, including Gauteng Crime Intelligence and Johannesburg Metro Police K9, led them to an ATM on the M2 where one of the suspects was expected to withdraw the ransom money.

"The police held an observation and then placed the suspect under arrest as soon as he arrived. He then led the team to Denver Men's Hostel, where the victim, aged 18, was found bound and unconscious.

Six more suspects were arrested, and the victim was rushed to hospital for medical attention," says Muridili.

She says the team also recovered three knives and the student’s personal items.

"The team is currently investigating the possibility of linking these suspects to cases in Gauteng with the same modus operandi. All seven will be charged with kidnapping and extortion, and they will be appearing before court soon," she adds.

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