Chronicle EditorThupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
SOUTH African police have arrested a 40-year-old Zambian in connection with a series of kidnapping of businessmen in that country and drug peddling.
Among his victims is a Zimbabwean businessman who is based in South Africa.
SAPS national spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the man was intercepted soon after arriving from Zambia at OR Tambo International Airport on Sunday morning.
She said the 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 South Africa, “said Brig Mathe.
“He is specifically linked to the kidnapping of a 63-year-old businessman. The businessman was kidnapped in Helderkruin, Roodepoort in July.
“He was rescued on the same day that police made the discovery of R300 million worth of crystal meth at two properties in Fourways and a hotel in Bruma.”
She added that the suspect is also believed to be a key figure in the R300 million crystal meth drugs that were seized.
The man was arrested by a multidisciplinary team led by SAPS anti-kidnapping task team, counter intelligence, detectives, JMPD K-9 unit, Flying Squad and private security.
Brig Mathe said the suspect is expected to be charged with eight other suspects who were arrested for the kidnapping of the businessman and the drug bust.
In July SAPS’s Anti-Kidnapping task team arrested 14 suspects among them three Chinese nationals and two Mozambicans for allegedly kidnapping a Zimbabwean businessman on Sunday in Gauteng province.
The suspects had allegedly kidnapped a Zimbabwean businessman near his workplace.
Online Reporter