Africa-Press – South-Africa. A 55-year-old man was arrested in Johannesburg while allegedly planning to kidnap a child on Friday.
The man was arrested at a restaurant where the planning meeting was held.
Police spokesperson Colonel Athlenda Mathe said the arrest came after a team consisting of the police’s Anti-Kidnapping Task Team, Crime Intelligence, Organised Crime Unit, K9 Unit and the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department followed up information that a child would be kidnapped and a hefty ransom demanded.
The team then pounced on the man at the restaurant.
“The team moved in swiftly to arrest the man, who led the team to a number of properties where two unlicensed firearms and one licensed firearm were recovered. A farm that was alleged to be used as a safe house to keep the minor was also identified and searched,” Mathe added.
During the search, police confiscated cellphones, SIM cards, laptops, false identity documents, a variety of ammunition and a white Range Rover.
Mathe said the child’s family was receiving support.
The suspect faces charges of conspiracy to commit kidnapping and extortion.
National police commissioner General Fannie Masemola said police had thus far arrested 116 people in connection with kidnappings for ransom.
“Police are determined and will continue to work hard to prevent and combat kidnappings and all other forms of criminality. This arrest should serve as a deterrent to those involved in kidnapping cases where ransom demands are being made,” he said.
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