Student Rescued Nine Days After Kidnapping

A 20-year-old student, son of Gauteng businessman Yasin Bhiku, was successfully rescued by police after being kidnapped on March 18, 2025.

The rescued student’s father, Yasin Bhiku, was previously kidnapped in January 2022.

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According to Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo, a provincial police spokesperson, the rescued student was found in a residence following an extensive investigation involving interviews, CCTV footage, and intelligence gathering. 

Investigation And Arrests

The investigation began after a white Volkswagen Amarok was identified as the vehicle used in the kidnapping.

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It was later revealed that the same vehicle was also linked to an attempted kidnapping earlier in March.

On March 26, 2025, police traced the vehicle to a residential parking area in Sandton, Johannesburg.

After reviewing surveillance footage, officers proceeded to Lenasia, where they arrested one suspect, who led them to the location where the rescued kidnap victim was being held.

Two additional suspects were arrested in Elandsfontein and Lenasia.

The recovered vehicle was also connected to a hijacking case in Durban earlier in the year.

Kidnapping Epidemic In South Africa

South Africa has seen a dramatic rise in kidnappings, with nearly 5,000 reported cases in just three months.

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Gauteng recorded the highest number of incidents, with 2,499 kidnappings between October and December 2024.

KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape followed with 901 and 275 cases, respectively.

National Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has acknowledged the escalating crisis, emphasizing the need for stronger law enforcement responses to combat the alarming trend.

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