A STELLENBOSCH businessman was taken to hospital with serious head injuries after he was rescued by police following his kidnapping.
Three suspects arrested in connection with the crime are expected to appear in court on Monday.
Hawks spokesperson Siyabulela Vukubi said a multi-disciplinary intelligence led operation comprising of the Hawks' Serious Organised Crime Investigation, SAPS Provincial Organised Crime, Hostage Negotiation Team (HNT) and Boland K9 Unit led to the arrest of the suspects aged 28, 35 and 39 for kidnapping, assault, armed robbery and extortion on Friday.
“The complaint was received on Thursday, that a victim went out of his shop in Stellenbosch but did not return hence he was reported as missing.”
“It was reported that the family received a WhatsApp message where the sender stated that he knew the whereabouts of the victim and demanded R100 000 in exchange for his location.”
The sender further claimed to be a middleman and said that the kidnappers were demanding R5 million but that he personally needed R100 000, fearing for the victim’s life, Vukubi said.
“On the same day, the victim’s brother allegedly received another WhatsApp message containing a video showing the victim with his hands tied and eyes blindfolded.
“Further threatening messages followed, warning that the victim would be killed,” Vukubi said.
The multi-disciplinary team’s investigation led to the identification of two suspected vehicles on Friday.
One of the suspected vehicles, a black VW, was stopped by the Boland K9 Unit near Stellenbosch.
“The victim was found inside the vehicle and was rescued.
“He was taken to hospital for medical examination with serious head injuries,” Vukubi said.
The three suspects are expected to appear in the Stellenbosch Regional Court.
Meanwhile, three foreign nationals charged with the kidnapping of nine-year-old East London girl Emaan Fatima are expected back in court this week.
The men, aged between 20 and 67, will not be named as more arrests are imminent, the East London Magistrate's Court heard last week.
The matter was adjourned to March 4, 2025 and March 5, 2025 for an interpreter.
Emaan was kidnapped on February 4, 2025 outside Buffalo Flats.
Last month a foreign national businesswoman was found unharmed following a kidnapping.
Juan Yang, 43, was allegedly kidnapped on February 13, 2025, while on her way to Kenako Mall to close one of her business premises.
Police said Yang’s vehicle, a white Volkswagen Polo, was later found abandoned in Sakela Street, KwaZakhele. She was released on February 19, 2025, and found near KwaZakhele Police Station.
Cape Times