CRIME SCENE: Johannesburg, Gauteng: The police have rescued a kidnapped man unharmed and arrested five suspects in a major breakthrough against kidnappings.

The 38‑year‑old victim was allegedly abducted on 30 August 2026 in the Johannesburg CBD, with his captors demanding a ransom of two million dollars for his release, according to the South African Police Service (SAPS)

A multidisciplinary team — including Johannesburg Central detectives, Crime Intelligence, the Anti‑Kidnapping Team, the Flying Squad, and private security companies — launched an intelligence‑driven investigation to track down the perpetrators and locate the victim.

“On Sunday, 4 October 2026, the operation led to the arrest of three men found in possession of the cellphone allegedly used to contact the victim’s family with ransom demands. 

Further investigation directed officers to a plot in Randfontein, where the kidnapped man was discovered and safely rescued. Two additional suspects were arrested at the premises.

“All five suspects are expected to face charges of kidnapping and extortion,” said SAPS who confirmed that the investigation remains ongoing.