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Thupeyo Muleya
Beitbridge Bureau
South African police have arrested a 40-year-old Zambian in connection with drug peddling and a series of kidnappings in that country.
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 had been closely following the suspect’s movements.
“The suspect is believed to be one of the ringleaders behind a kidnapping for ransom syndicate targeting businessmen in South Africa,” said Brigadier 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 discovered R300 million worth of crystal meth at two properties in Fourways and a hotel in Bruma.”
She said the suspect is also believed to be a key figure in the crystal meth syndicate.
Brigadier Mathe said the suspect is expected to be charged with eight others who were arrested for the kidnapping of the businessman and drug peddling.
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 in the Gauteng Province.
The names of the parties in the case will be revealed when they appear in court.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter