2 Kidnapped Chinese Nationals Found in Alex After R20,000 Ransom Paid
- Two female Chinese nationals had a harrowing experience in which they were kidnapped and taken to Alexandra in Johannesburg
- The suspects then demanded a R20,000 ransom note, and it was paid, after which the victims were rescued
- Briefly News spoke to the Chairperson of the University of South Africa's School of Criminal Justice Tinyiko Ngoveni about the impact of kidnapping
- The South African Police Service confirmed to Briefly News that the suspects are still at large and have not been identified either
Tebogo Mokwena, a Briefly News current affairs journalist in Johannesburg, South Africa, covered police investigations and court cases at Daily Sun for over three years.
Source: Getty Images
JOHANNESBURG — The South African Police Service rescued two Chinese nationals who were kidnapped for ransom
Johannesburg kidnap-for-ransom victims rescued
According to a statement, the incident happened in Bramley in Johannesburg on 24 July. A man was driving his two female employers to purchase a camera. Two men approached him and pointed at him and the two victims with guns.
The suspects then reportedly pulled the driver out of the car, robbed him of his firearm and escaped with the vehicle. The vehicle was recovered in Alexandra, and a R20,000 ransom was paid for their return. The police's investigations led them to 10th Avenue in Alexandra, and they rescued the victims.
SAPS confirms suspects still at large
SAPS spoke to Briefly News about the case and the suspects' whereabouts.
"No suspect has been arrested as of yet, and the police are still following every lead."
UNISA's Criminal Justice chairperson speaks to Briefly News
Chairperson of the University of South Africa's School of Criminal Justice, Tinyiko Ngoveni, spoke about the effects of kidnapping on the economy.
"Kidnapping must be classified under economic sabotage. Taking into consideration its impact on the country's image, a harsher sentence, such as life imprisonment, must be imposed. The criminal justice sector must prioritise this crime by establishing a unit that will deal with organised crime, such as kidnapping, construction mafia, and killing of government officials, including municipal employees, and witnesses for their dominance. The policy against ransom payment must be established, emphasised, and dealt with decisively from a criminal justice perspective," he said.
Netizens worried about kidnapping incidents
Netizens commenting on @Abramjee's tweet were concerned that there was another kidnapping-for-ransom incident.
Yolly said:
"I hope they are found safe."
M said:
"It never ends."
Thato Malemone said:
"China must send their special forces."
Family Guy said:
"There is a terrorist organisation in SA."
Emmah Jiyane said:
"The country has gone to the pits."
SAPS foils kidnapping attempt
In a similar article, Briefly News reported that the SAPS' Anti-Kidnapping Team prevented an abduction.
A Zimbabwean businessman was kidnapped and taken to a house in Diepkloof. The police found him the next day and arrested the 14 alleged kidnappers, including two Mozambican and three Chinese nationals. SA applauded the SAPS for their work.
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Source: Briefly News
