Three suspects were arrested in Verulam on Wednesday for kidnapping and extortion after a victim was held captive and forced to contact his wife for ransom.
In a statement, Hawks spokesperson, Warrant Officer Sibu Ncane, said the suspects were aged 28 to 41.
He said the joint operation was conducted by Hawks members from Durban Serious Organised Crime Investigation, Tracking Team, Anti-Gang Unit, Durban Metro Police and a local security company.
"The harrowing incident occurred on 18 March, 2025, when the victim was lured to Rosemary Drive in Verulam under the pretense of a job offer. The unsuspecting victim was held captive at gunpoint, assaulted and threatened with a firearm. The ruthless suspects demanded a ransom of R120 000 and proceeded to call the victim’s wife to extort money from her," said Ncane.
"During the ordeal, they also stole the victim’s bank card and withdrew money from his account. After holding the victim captive for an agonising four hours, the kidnappers discovered that the victim’s bank account did not contain the expected amount of money. In a twisted turn of events, they decided to release him."
He said thanks to the prompt and collaborative efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies, the suspects were apprehended on Wednesday at their residence in Verulam. They were charged with kidnapping, extortion and related offences. The suspects were scheduled to appear in the Verulam Magistrate’s Court today.
Major General (Dr) Lesetja Senona, the KwaZulu-Natal Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation Provincial Head, said: “The swift response and decisive action of the Hawks, Durban Metro police and the local security company is a testament to the power of collaborative law enforcement efforts in combating crime and protecting innocent citizens from harm."