On Friday, police apprehended five individuals for allegedly planning to kidnap and extort money from a businesswoman in Melrose Arch, Johannesburg.
The plot, reportedly orchestrated via her employee, aimed to have substantial amounts transferred from her business bank account. The suspects include two South Africans, two Ugandans, and a Malawian national.
Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe provided further insight into the operation: “Police crime intelligence and organized crime operatives, including the Hawks, have been working on information it received about a South African woman planning for her employer to be kidnapped.
“Utilizing superior intelligence tactics and collaborating closely with the targeted woman, a mock kidnapping was orchestrated.”
The plan culminated in the arrest of the suspects during their attempt to withdraw the money that had been supposedly transferred after the mock kidnapping of the businesswoman.
As part of the operation, three vehicles, including a Range Rover, along with ten cellphones, were also seized. The suspects are currently awaiting formal charges and will subsequently appear in court.
