Police have shot and killed a Mozambican kidnapping kingpin to a block of apartments in Fourways, Johannesburg this week.
The alleged kingpin was traced at a block of flats in Fourways, Johannesburg as the anti-kidnapping task team was searching for a kidnapped Pakistani businessman from Pretoria West.
MOZAMBICAN KIDNAPPING KINGPIN SHOT DEAD IN JOHANNESBURG
He is still in captivity and the team are still searching for the Pakistani national. A ransom demand has been made to the businessman’s family.
National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said a ransom demand was made to the Pakistani national’s family. The team is still searching for the businessman who is still in captivity.
Mathe said the team’s tracing operation began at a residential complex in Carlswald, Midrand where they seized a Mercedes Benz, a silver Pajero and arrested two kidnappers.
They proceeded to Fourways where the task team announced their arrival and a shoot-out ensued.
“One suspect was fatally wounded and upon further investigation, it was discovered that 40-year-old Mauro Mucambe Junior is a wanted kidnapping kingpin in Mozambique where he has been linked to several kidnappings. His warrant of arrest was issued by Maputo Police in August 2024.
“One unlicensed firearm used by the fatally wounded fugitive of justice was seized including 10 rounds of ammunition. Four cellphones, four bank cards have also been seized,” Mathe explained.
ANTI-KIDNAPPING TASK TEAM HAILED FOR ITS WORK
Mathe said the SAPS has full faith and confidence in the work of the anti-kidnapping task team to rescue the kidnapped businessman.
Since January 2024 to date, the team has arrested more than 170 criminals involved in Kidnappings for ransom and over R1.2 million has been recovered.
In addition, more than 100 victims have been rescued mainly in Gauteng and more than 40 vehicles used in kidnapping crimes were also seized by the team.
“The anti-kidnapping task team recently registered a breakthrough in the Olorato Mongale murder case where they led the tracing operation of Philangenkosi Makhanya. The search is still on for Bongani Mthimkhulu.”
DO YOU THINK A SYNDICATE IS BEHIND THE RAMPANT KIDNAPPING OF BUSINESSMEN, ESPECIALLY PAKISTANI NATIONALS, IN SOUTH AFRICA?
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