Kamogelo Olaitan
A Vereeniging businessman who was kidnapped last Friday at his business premises was rescued unharmed in an operation by police on Monday night.
Three suspects were arrested and face charges of kidnapping and robbery with aggravated circumstances.
Police spokesperson Colonel Athlenda Mathe said the man was found just before midnight by a task team involving the police special task force and the Johannesburg Metro Police department assisted by private security.
Mathe said the team swooped on three identified addresses, including one in Lenasia South where the victim was found unharmed. At this address, police arrested the owner of the property, a 70-year-old Mozambican national.
At the second address in Ennerdale police found a dark gray Toyota Hilux with fake registration plates which were used in carrying out the alleged crime. One suspect, a Malawian, was arrested.
“When police arrived at the third address in Roodepoort, they were met with gunfire. Fortunately, none of the task team members sustained injuries. One suspect, a South African, was arrested. One unlicensed firearm was seized,” Mathe said.
The suspect is facing an additional charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm and attempted murder.
