Johannesburg – South African authorities arrested a 40-year-old Zambian suspected of being a kidnapping ringleader on arrival at the OR Tambo International Airport on Sunday morning.
The suspect is also linked to the R300 million illicit drug bust the police made while rescuing a kidnap victim.
Police, who have been keeping a close watch on the suspect’s movement intercepted the Zambian he arrived in the country from Zambia.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said: “The suspect is believed to be one of the ringleaders behind a kidnapping for ransom syndicate targeting businessmen in South Africa”.
Brigadier Mathe added: “He is specifically linked to the kidnapping of a 63-year-old businessman.
“The businessman was kidnapped in Helderkruin, Roodepoort in July.
“He was rescued on the same day that police made the discovery of R300 million worth of crystal meth at two properties in Fourways and a hotel in Bruma.
“He is also believed to be a key figure in the R300 million crystal meth drugs that were seized.”
Brigadier Mathe said police have been tracking the suspect and upon arrival at the OR Tambo airport, he was arrested by a multidisciplinary team.
The team was led by the South African Police Service anti-kidnapping task team, counterintelligence officers, detectives, the Joburg Metro Police Department K-9 unit, the Flying Squad, and private security.
“The suspect is expected to be charged with eight other suspects who were arrested for the kidnapping of the businessman and the drug bust,” said Brigadier Mathe.
