In a successful joint operation, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks)
and other law enforcement agencies apprehended two suspects and rescued two
kidnapping victims in Kwamhlanga, Mpumalanga. The incident began on Monday when
a 37-year-old man and a 34-year-old woman were abducted at gunpoint while sitting in
a vehicle during a political party recruitment drive.

The victims were blindfolded, moved to another vehicle, and taken to an unknown
location. The kidnappers then demanded ransom from the victims’ relatives and friends,
instructing them to transfer money via e-wallet and cash-send services. The male
victim’s wife’s bank card was used to withdraw R10,000, while the female victim’s card
was utilized to purchase vehicle tyres in Witbank.

Following a report to the police, a multi-agency team comprising the Hawks, Anti-
Kidnapping Unit, Crime Intelligence, Witbank TRIO Crimes, Gauteng Traffic Police Air
Wing, Vision Tactical, and SSG Security conducted an intelligence-driven investigation.
This led them to an address in Kwamhlanga, where two suspects, a South African and a
Mozambican national, were arrested, and the victims were rescued.

The two suspects have been charged and are set to appear before the Witbank
Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, March 28, 2024. Investigations into the case are
ongoing.