NELSPRUIT – Kidnapping, extortion, armed robbery, illegal possession of firearm and ammunitions are charges faced by a 43-year-old suspect arrested at Botleng, Delmas in Mpumalanga yesterday, Friday 06 January 2023.<\/p>\n
The suspect was arrested hours after a 32-year-old victim was kidnapped and a ransom demanded for his release.<\/p>\n
According to information, the victim visited a friend in Botleng on Thursday 05 January 2023.<\/p>\n
He left just before 22:00. In less than 30 minutes the friend allegedly received a call from his visitor’s phone who could be heard screaming that he has been abducted.<\/p>\n
Whilst still shocked, he heard someone over the phone demanding ransom for his friend’s release.<\/p>\n
After receiving that call, he reported to the police and it is alleged that more of the victim’s friends also reported to the police that they received strange calls with a demand of the ransom for the victim’s release.<\/p>\n
A team of investigators comprised of Crime Intelligence and hostage negotiators was assembled.<\/p>\n
Yesterday, Friday 06 January 2023, the victim arrived at the police station after he was released at about 15:00.<\/p>\n
He was interviewed and it was established that his cellphone was still at the hands of the suspect. Investigation was intensified and led police to a location in Botleng where the suspect fitting the description given by the victim was found.<\/p>\n
In his possession, the suspect had the victim’s cellphone and the unlicensed Norinco 9mm pistol with serial numbers filed off and 22 live rounds of ammunition.<\/p>\n
Investigation further revealed that the firearm was also reported missing during a business robbery that took place in Pretoria in 2020.<\/p>\n
The suspect was arrested and charged with kidnapping, extortion, armed robbery and illegal possession of firearm and ammunitions.<\/p>\n
Police cannot rule out possibilities of adding other charges as investigation continues.<\/p>\n
He will appear in Delmas Magistrate’s Court on Monday 09 January 2023.<\/p>\n
The Provincial Management appreciated the team for the breakthrough and hope other suspects linked to the Pretoria business robbery will be arrested soon.<\/p>\n
Source: South African Police Service<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"