Johannesburg – Police have rescued a 53-year-old Portuguese businessman, who had been kidnapped, and arrested nine suspects.
The businessman, who has not been named by the police, was kidnapped outside his business premises in Bramley on Monday evening.
“The 53-year-old businessman was found safe and unharmed by the SAPS National Anti-Kidnapping Task Team at a house in Kempton Park on Tuesday afternoon,” said national police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe.
“No ransom payment was made at the time when police rescued the victim.”
He has since been reunited with his family.
Nine suspects have so far been arrested, said Brigadier Mathe.
“The Anti-Kidnapping Task Team pounced on the address where the businessman had been kept in Kempton Park and arrested four men and a woman,” said Brigadier Mathe.
“At another identified address in Hillbrow, two women and a man were also arrested.
“A 41-year-old police officer was also among those arrested. He was arrested at his place of work.”
The syndicate is alleged to be involved in at least five kidnapping cases where Portuguese businessmen were targeted.
They would demand ransom payments from the victim’s families.
The National Commissioner of the SA Police Service, General Fannie Masemola said it was disappointing that one of their own was among the arrested suspects.
However, General Masemola added: “It is pleasing to note that the organisation is ridding itself of corrupt elements.
“No member of the SAPS is above the law, irrespective of their rank.
“Police officers who are found on the wrong side of the law are dealt with accordingly.
“We will continue to root out rogue police officers from within our ranks.”
Since April this year, the police task team has arrested 70 suspects in Gauteng for Kidnapping.
