Wanted Mozambican kidnapping kingpin killed in Fourways
The South African Police Service (SAPS) Anti‑Kidnapping Task Team located and fatally shot a Mozambican kidnapping kingpin during a dramatic operation at a residential complex in Fourways, Johannesburg, this week.
The operation formed part of an ongoing effort to locate a Pakistani businessman abducted from Pretoria West.
Law enforcement officers confirmed that the victim remains in captivity, and the kidnappers have issued a ransom demand to his family.
Following initial leads, the task team traced the suspects to a residential complex in Carlswald, Midrand, where they recovered a Mercedes‑Benz, a silver Pajero, and detained two alleged kidnappers.
Pursuing their investigation, they advanced to Fourways, announcing their presence before a shootout erupted.
During the exchange of gunfire, one suspect was fatally wounded.
"Upon closer inspection, police identified the deceased as 40‑year‑old Mauro Mucambe Junior, a feared kingpin in Mozambique allegedly involved in multiple kidnapping operations. A warrant for his arrest was issued by the Maputo Police in August 2024," said National Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe.
"The task team also confiscated an unlicensed firearm believed to be used by Mucambe, along with 10 rounds of ammunition. Investigators further recovered four cellphones and four bank cards from the scene."
Mathe reaffirmed the police’s unwavering confidence in the Anti‑Kidnapping Task Team.
"We remain fully committed to rescuing the kidnapped Pakistani businessman and bringing all perpetrators to justice".
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