Police Operation Leads to Arrests and Recovery of Illegal Firearms
Johannesburg police successfully rescued an Ethiopian businessman who was kidnapped outside a Norwood restaurant on Sunday. The operation, led by the Anti-Kidnapping Task Team in collaboration with private security forces, resulted in a dramatic shootout at a house in Kensington, where one kidnapper was killed, and five others were arrested.
Police Crack Down on Kidnapping Syndicate
According to SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, authorities acted on intelligence to locate the businessman in Kensington. Upon arrival, officers were met with armed resistance, prompting a gun battle that left one suspect dead.
“The police seized vehicles used in the crime and recovered luxury items belonging to the victim, including high-end watches and jewellery,” said Mathe.
Weapons and Vehicles Seized
Law enforcement officials recovered four illegal firearms during the operation, including an AK-47. The raid is part of a broader nationwide crackdown on crime, which has seen over 14,000 suspects arrested in the past seven days.
The police also seized:
- 155 illegal firearms, including 112 handguns, 25 rifles, 13 shotguns, and five homemade guns.
- 50 hijacked and stolen vehicles in the last week.
South Africa’s Battle Against Organized Crime
The successful rescue underscores ongoing police efforts to combat organized crime and kidnapping syndicates in the country. SAPS National Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, commended officers for their relentless work in tackling serious crimes.
“Just last week, police destroyed R340 million worth of drugs in Cape Town, part of a larger effort that has seen R5.2 billion worth of illegal substances destroyed in the past three years,” Mathe added.
Final Thoughts
The swift action by the Anti-Kidnapping Task Team highlights the effectiveness of intelligence-driven policing in South Africa. While the Ethiopian businessman is now safe, the case serves as a reminder of the ongoing threat posed by criminal syndicates operating in the country.
Also read: Six Suspects Arrested Hours After Cash-In-Transit Heist in Vanderbijlpark
