| 2025/03/02 |
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Media Statement
WESTERN CAPE – The Multi-Disciplinary Intelligence led operation comprising of the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation, SAPS Provincial Organised Crime, Hostage Negotiation Team (HNT) and Boland K9 Unit led to the arrest of three suspects aged 28, 35 and 39 for kidnapping, assault GBH, armed robbery and extortion on 28 February 2025. The complaint was received on Thursday, 27 February 2025 that a victim went out of his shop in Stellenbosch but did not return hence he was reported as missing. It was reported that the family received a WhatsApp message whereby the sender stated that he knew the whereabouts of the victim and demanded R100 000.00 in exchange for his location. The sender of the message further claimed to be a middleman and mentioned that the kidnappers were demanding R5 million but that he personally needed R100 000.00 fearing for the victim’s life. On the same day, the victim’s brother allegedly received another WhatsApp message containing a video showing the victim with his hands tied and eyes blindfolded. Further threatening messages followed, warning that the victim would be killed. Meticulous investigation by the multi-disciplinary team led to the identification of two suspected vehicles on 28 February 2025. One of the suspected vehicles, a black VW, was stopped by the Boland K9 Unit near Stellenbosch. The victim was found inside the vehicle and was rescued. He was taken to hospital for medical examination with serious head injuries. The three suspects are expected to appear in the Stellenbosch Regional Court on 3 March 2025. Ends
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