A multi-disciplinary Anti-Kidnapping Task Team comprising of the Provincial Organised Crime Investigation Unit, DPCI and Crime Intelligence, over the weekend successfully traced and rescued an 84-year-old kidnapped victim.
British national
According to the Road Safety website, a case of hijacking and kidnapping was opened on Friday, 4 October at Robertson SAPS following the kidnapping of the victim who is a British national.
Intelligence led to the location of the victim on Saturday, 5 October, at about 09:40, where she was held in an unoccupied shack in Zwelethemba, Worcester.
She was immediately taken to a medical facility for observation.
According to reports received, the incident occurred on the Friday around 12:10 on La Chasseur Road, Robertson.
Arrests are yet to be made as all leads are perused in a bid to apprehend those responsible.
Anyone with information about this incident is requested to contact the investigating officer Detective Brigadier Makhaya Mkabile on 082 2226746 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or via the MySAPS App.
Second woman kidnapped in Stellenbosch
Meanwhile, in another unrelated matter, an investigation by the same multi-disciplinary team led to the arrest of two foreign national males aged 24 and 25 for kidnapping and extortion.
On Thursday, 3 October, at approximately 02:40, a 20-year-old victim walked from a restaurant in Plein Street in Stellenbosch, to her residence, which is within walking distance.
An unknown vehicle with two occupants stopped and kidnapped the victim.
During the course of events, the suspects demanded a ransom from the family of the hostage.
The family immediately paid the money where after the victim was released on Friday, 4 October.
She was immediately taken for a medical examination.
A case of kidnapping and extortion was opened for investigation.
Information was followed up, and a vehicle of interest, a black BMW, was identified during preliminary investigation.
The Licence Plate Recognition system was activated, and the vehicle was successfully traced to the George area.
Two foreign national males aged 24 and 25 were found in the vehicle and detained for further investigation.
An undisclosed amount of cash was found in the car, including the phone used.
The two suspects were charged and are due to appear in the Stellenbosch Magistrates court on Monday, 7 October, on the mentioned charges.
The Western Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen (Adv.) T.E. Patekile commended the team of detectives for their swift response to locate and rescue the first victim and for the arrest of the suspects in the second incident.
Have you ever been directly involved in a kidnapping incident?
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