Wanted Mozambican kidnapping kingpin killed in Joburg: SAPS

JOHANNESBURG - Police in Johannesburg have shot and killed a wanted Mozambican kidnapping kingpin.

The 40-year-old man was involved in a shootout with police last night after he was traced to a residential complex in Fourways.

It's understood that the man has been linked to several kidnappings, and police in Maputo issued him with a warrant of arrest in August last year.

Police were tracking a kidnapped businessman from Pretoria west, who is still in captivity, when the suspect was located.

The Anti-Kidnapping Task Team's tracking operation first led them to a residential complex in Midrand, where police arrested two kidnappers and further seized two cars.

They then proceeded to Fourways, where the other kidnapper was traced and a shootout ensued.

Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe explained, "One suspect was fatally wounded, and upon further investigation, it was discovered that a 40-year-old Mauro Mucambe junior is a wanted kidnapping kingpin in Mozambique, where he has been linked to several kidnappings."

The firearm and 10 rounds of ammunition used by the deceased were seized, including four cellphones and four bank cards.

Police are still searching for the kidnapped businessman, and a ransom demand has been made to his family.