Probe by local, international law enforcement blows lid on transnational kidnapping syndicate
This followed the rescue of a businessman who was kidnapped for a R15 million ransom in May.
Police with one of the suspects arrested for the kidnapping of a businessman outside the Randfontein house where he was rescued on 10 July 2025. Picture: Simphiwe Nkosi/EWN
JOHANNESBURG - An investigation by local and international law enforcement agencies has blown the lid on a transnational kidnapping syndicate.
This followed the rescue of a businessman who was kidnapped for a R15 million ransom in May.
ALSO READ:
- Gauteng police record almost 150 kidnappings for ransom cases between Jan & March
- 'Catch us if you can': Lenasia businessman's kidnappers dared police to find them
At the centre of it is a Mozambican kingpin who was arrested on Thursday at his property in Greenhills.
Local authorities were able to nab the suspects by tracing them through cryptocurrency linked to Dubai and Mozambique.
Earlier in the week, investigators were led to Zola, Soweto, where one of the kidnappers was arrested and information about the ransom negotiations was found on his phone.
His arrest also led police to a house where the 60-year-old victim was kept by four other kidnappers.
On Thursday, police pounced on them and two of the suspects were killed during a shootout with officers.
Two suspects, including the kingpin, were arrested and investigations continue.