News24.com | Alleged mastermind among five arrested for kidnapping Midrand businessman

Five people, including an alleged kidnapping mastermind, his wife and girlfriend, have been arrested for allegedly kidnapping a Midrand businessman.

Five people, including an alleged foreign kidnapping mastermind, his wife and girlfriend, were arrested for allegedly kidnapping a Midrand businessman, police said on Tuesday.

National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the businessman was kidnapped in Midrand on 18 January.

"Following the businessman's kidnapping, the suspects demanded a ransom payment from the family and business associates of the victim," Mathe added.

She said the suspects were arrested by a "multidisciplinary" team led by the National Anti-Kidnapping Task Team at residential properties in Pretoria and Johannesburg.

Mathe said a Toyota Corolla and Toyota Quantum, which were used in the commission of the crime, were seized. Multiple phones and sim cards were also seized, she said.

To date, at least 124 people linked to kidnappings have been arrested and 81 are still in police custody, according to Mathe.

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