A man alleged to be the mastermind behind a string of business kidnappings and a multimillion-rand drug syndicate was nabbed as he arrived in SA at OR Tambo airport on Sunday.
Police spokesperson Brig Brig Athlenda Mathe said the 40-year old suspect, whose left foot is bandaged and who walks with a crutch, was under surveillance as a key player in a transnational organised crime syndicate.
“Police have been keeping a close watch on the suspect's movement. The suspect is believed to be one of the ringleaders behind a kidnapping-for-ransom syndicate targeting businessmen in SA.
“He is specifically linked to the kidnapping of a 63-year-old businessman in Helderkruin, Roodepoort, in July. He [the businessman] was rescued on the same day police made the discovery of R300m worth of crystal meth at two properties in Fourways and a hotel in Bruma.”
Mathe said the man, who was arrested by a multidisciplinary team including the SAPS anti-kidnapping task team, counter intelligence, detectives, JMPD K-9 unit, Flying Squad and private security, will be charged with eight other suspects who were arrested for the kidnapping of the businessman and the drug bust.
TimesLIVE
Cops nab alleged kidnapping and drug syndicate ringleader at OR Tambo airport
Image: SAPS
A man alleged to be the mastermind behind a string of business kidnappings and a multimillion-rand drug syndicate was nabbed as he arrived in SA at OR Tambo airport on Sunday.
Police spokesperson Brig Brig Athlenda Mathe said the 40-year old suspect, whose left foot is bandaged and who walks with a crutch, was under surveillance as a key player in a transnational organised crime syndicate.
“Police have been keeping a close watch on the suspect's movement. The suspect is believed to be one of the ringleaders behind a kidnapping-for-ransom syndicate targeting businessmen in SA.
“He is specifically linked to the kidnapping of a 63-year-old businessman in Helderkruin, Roodepoort, in July. He [the businessman] was rescued on the same day police made the discovery of R300m worth of crystal meth at two properties in Fourways and a hotel in Bruma.”
Mathe said the man, who was arrested by a multidisciplinary team including the SAPS anti-kidnapping task team, counter intelligence, detectives, JMPD K-9 unit, Flying Squad and private security, will be charged with eight other suspects who were arrested for the kidnapping of the businessman and the drug bust.
TimesLIVE
Police bust Durban syndicate who 'kidnap women, raid bank accounts'
Kidnapped businessman rescued and drugs worth R300m seized
Another Gqeberha businessman kidnapped, search on
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