WC Hawks nab 3 suspects for kidnapping, extortion
It’s alleged they kidnapped a man last week after he left his shop in Stellenbosch.
Handcuffs. Picture: SAPS/Twitter
CAPE TOWN - The Hawks in the Western Cape have arrested three suspects on charges of kidnapping and extortion.
It’s alleged that they kidnapped a man last week after he left his shop in Stellenbosch.
Hawks spokesperson Siyabulela Vukubi said the family of the victim reported him missing when he didn’t return to the shops.
"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 in exchange for his location."
Vukubi added that the sender told the family he was a middleman and that the kidnappers were demanding R5 million.
"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 which were stopped by the Boland K9 Unit near Stellenbosch on Friday.
Vukubi said the victim was found inside and was taken to the hospital. The suspects were expected in the Stellenbosch Regional Court on Monday.