Kidnapped Vereeniging businessman Zaheer Asmal has been rescued unharmed by the police and other law enforcement agencies, authorities revealed Tuesday.
Asmal’s rescue was yet another breakthrough in less than five days by the National Crime Intelligence Anti-Kidnapping Task Team.
Asmal was kidnapped at his business premises on Friday morning.
“Just before midnight on Monday, the Task Team led a multi-disciplinary operation consisting of members of the Special Task Force, and the Johannesburg Metro Police Department assisted by private security,” said Colonel Athlenda Mathe.
The team swooped in at three identified addresses, one in Lenasia South where the victim was found unharmed.
“At this address, police arrested the owner of the property, a 70-year-old Mozambique national,” said Colonel Mathe.
At the second address in Ennerdale, police found a dark grey Toyota Hilux and fake registration number plates which were used in the commission of the crime. One suspect, a Malawian national was arrested.
“When police arrived at the third address in Roodepoort, police were met with gunfire, fortunately, none of the Task Team members sustained any injuries,” said Colonel Mathe.
“One suspect, a South African national was arrested. One unlicensed firearm was also seized.”
All three suspects are facing charges relating to kidnapping and robbery with aggravated circumstances.
Colonel Mathe said the South African is facing additional charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm as well as attempted murder.
“In the past week alone, the Task Team has arrested eight suspects linked to kidnappings where ransom demands were made,” said Colonel Mathe.
