Police vow to crack kidnapping surge

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Police say they are working hard to crack down on crimes of kidnappings for ransom.

This follows the arrest of four alleged kidnappers yesterday during a rescue operation of two men who were kidnapped while driving along Putfontein Road in Crystal Park on Sunday.

A shoot-out ensued at an informal settlement in Crystal Park in Benoni where one alleged kidnapper was killed while another one was wounded and taken to hospital.

According to the police, the alleged kidnappers immediately began making ransom demands to the victims’ families who alerted the police.

There has been a surge in kidnappings for ransoms in the country.

Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe says, “On Monday afternoon, the team pounced on the kidnappers and a shootout ensued. One kidnapper was shot and killed, one was wounded and taken to hospital and the other four were arrested and taken into police custody.”

“The SAPS assures communities that may be victims of this type of crime, that it has the necessary expertise and capabilities to intercept and take down syndicates involved in kidnappings where ransom demands are made. Last week, six kidnappers were arrested and two businessmen were rescued,” adds Mathe.