Joburg man linked to Portuguese butchery owner kidnapping to appear in court
The man, who was arrested on Monday evening at a house wherein the victim was found, faces charges of kidnapping, extortion, and robbery with aggravating circumstances.
Picture: Rejoice Ndlovu/Eyewitness News
JOHANNESBURG - A 39-year-old man will appear in the Roodepoort Magistrates Court on Thursday morning in connection with the kidnapping of a Portuguese butchery owner.
He was arrested on Monday evening at a house in Soweto, where the victim was found.
ALSO READ: EXCLUSIVE | Portuguese butchery owners targeted in Gauteng kidnappings
The Portuguese businessman was rescued by police after he was kidnapped last week outside his business premises in Florida, on the West Rand.
The man linked to the businessman’s abduction faces charges of kidnapping, extortion, and robbery with aggravating circumstances.
The suspect was arrested during a multidisciplinary operation by police, the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) and private security.
At least two suspects managed to evade arrest by fleeing the scene.
The 49-year-old victim is among at least 20 Portuguese butchery owners and their staff who have been kidnapped in Gauteng since January 2023.
In October, police arrested seven men for the kidnapping of a Portuguese butchery owner in Sandringham.
A police constable from Bramley Police Station is among the accused.
It’s understood the syndicate targeting Portuguese businessmen are linked.