GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - The 55-year-old Pakistani national who was kidnapped from his business in Graaff-Reinet on 1 February has been rescued yesterday, 13 March.
It was confirmed that the victim, whose name cannot be disclosed at this stage due to the sensitive nature of this case, was found in Evaton, south of Johannesburg, and that four suspects - two South Africans, allegedly former police officers from the Western Cape, and two Pakistani nationals - were arrested in various locations in Gauteng.
According to a preliminary report, the victim had accompanied the kidnappers to the nearest police station after they had introduced themselves as immigration officials, but he never returned home.
The victim’s family reported the kidnapping to the police after the kidnappers demanded a ransom for his release. An intelligence-led operation was launched by a multidisciplinary team of National Crime Intelligence, the Hawks, the Soweto Flying Squad and private security.
The first suspect was arrested in Killarney, and he then led the team to the location of the victim in Evaton where two more suspects were arrested. Further investigation resulted in the arrest of a fourth suspect in Benoni. The team also seized an illegal firearm and a vehicle during this operation.
The four suspects are expected to appear in a magistrate’s court soon, while further investigations continue. Hawks’ Eastern Cape spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Avele Fumba, could not provide any detail pertaining to the investigation at present. “The matter is at an advanced stage of investigation, but due to its sensitivity, no information can be disclosed for now. However, we will keep you informed of any new developments as they arise,” he stated.
A reliable source closely related to the victim indicated that he was not in a good state at present.
‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
