A criminal who was out on bail for vehicle theft and car hijacking and possibly linked to the kidnapping of Benoni businessman Shamshudeen Faki has been shot dead by the South African Police Service (SAPS) anti-kidnapping task team.
The incident occurred on the N12 between Kliprivier and Xavier off-ramp in Johannesburg on Tuesday evening.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe revealed that a multidisciplinary team consisting of police counterintelligence teams, visible policing, detectives, and private security followed up on information and traced the suspect to the N12, where a shootout ensued.
The suspect, who was found in possession of Mr Faki’s identity documents, a blue light, licensed number plates used in the commission of the kidnapping, and two firearms including a pistol and a revolver, was linked to at least 29 vehicle theft and car hijacking cases and was circulated as a wanted suspect.
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His accomplices in the kidnapping case of Mr Faki are currently being sought by the police. Shamshudeen Faki, a 68-year-old businessman, was kidnapped from his business premises earlier in the month.
The kidnappers immediately demanded ransom money in the millions from his family. It is alleged that Faki died in the custody of his kidnappers, and his body was found dumped in Dalpark by a CPF patroller who promptly alerted the police on Monday, 13 May.
Brigadier Mathe also disclosed that at least 250 suspects linked to kidnapping for ransom have been arrested in South Africa in the last two years, highlighting the persistent efforts of law enforcement to combat such criminal activities.
Meanwhile, in a separate case, a self-confessed member of the notorious Fast Guns gang from Riverlea has been sentenced to life imprisonment. Tyrone Jones, a gangster convicted on 13 counts ranging from robbery with aggravating circumstances, robbery, attempted robbery, murder, and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, was handed two life terms plus 122 years in jail by the Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg on Tuesday.
Jones, who started his reign of terror within the community of Riverlea in September 2021, remained active until his arrest in June 2022.
The severity of his crimes and the impact on the community led to the substantial sentencing by the court, reflecting the commitment to holding individuals accountable for their involvement in organized crime and violence.
