Law enforcement agencies in the Western Cape are being commended for their successful rescue of a hostage and subsequent arrest of two suspects.
The suspects, a 29-year-old man and a 22-year-old woman, are currently in custody. The collaborative efforts of various specialized units within the South African Police Service (SAPS) led to this breakthrough, according to Lieutenant Colonel Malcolm Pojie, the Western Cape police spokesperson.
The arrest and rescue operation were a result of a comprehensive investigation conducted by a multi-disciplinary team.
The team followed up on leads after a house robbery on January 26 and a kidnapping on February 5, both incidents occurring in Strand. During the operation, firearms and ammunition were also seized.
On February 22, the Anti-Kidnapping Investigation task team, with support from the POCC Combat Unit, Strand detectives, provincial hostage negotiations, Crime Intelligence, and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (known as Hawks), carried out a take-down operation.
This operation was a direct result of further investigation into the kidnapping that took place on February 5, 2024, which was found to be linked to the house robbery in Strand on January 26, 2024.
The team conducted a search at a premises located in Site B off Mew Way in Khayelitsha, where they discovered two firearms and 200 rounds of different calibres of ammunition.
Following this discovery, the team arrested a 29-year-old suspect and seized the firearms, ammunition, as well as two tortoises that were being kept without a permit. Additionally, small amounts of drugs were found and confiscated.
The team then proceeded to another house nearby, where they successfully rescued the kidnapped 25-year-old woman. During the rescue operation, a 22-year-old female suspect was apprehended.
The suspects now face charges related to the unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, possession of presumed stolen property, illegal possession of drugs, and keeping a wild animal in captivity without a permit.
Once charged, the suspects are expected to appear in the Khayelitsha Magistrate’s Court. The collaborative efforts and swift action of the law enforcement agencies involved have resulted in the successful rescue of a hostage and the arrest of the suspects, bringing them closer to justice.
