- Tracy Fourie was held ransom for seven days before police freed her unharmed and seized ransom money, guns and getaway cars.
- The Hawks say teamwork between police units helped them track the gang and bring the kidnappers down.
Police have arrested nine suspects after a 62-year-old woman was kidnapped in Gqeberha and kept for ransom.
Tracy Fourie was taken while driving home from work and held for seven days while ransom talks were made.
On 25 August, investigators stepped in. Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Avele Fumba said the suspects were caught with ransom money, unlicensed guns and two cars used in the crime.
“She was released unharmed. Within hours, the Hawks carried out an intelligence-led operation that broke the gang and brought several suspects into custody,” Fumba said.
He said the success came from teamwork between the Hawks, Magma Security, Crime Intelligence and the Local Criminal Record Centre.
Provincial Hawks head Major-General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya said: “This case proves that the Hawks will never allow ruthless criminals to hold our people hostage. Those who prey on the vulnerable must understand that we will hunt you down and bring you to justice.”
Police are still looking for more suspects linked to the gang.
The nine arrested men are expected to appear in court soon.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) welcomed the arrests, saying the action brought relief after weeks of fear in Nelson Mandela Bay. Party spokesperson Yusuf Cassim said it followed their calls for tougher action against kidnappings in the metro.
Pictured above: 62-year-old Tracy Fourie who was kidnapped while driving home from work two weeks ago.
Image source: Supplied
