Johannesburg crime
Cellphone leads cops to victim and arrest of 5 suspects
Police rescue kidnapped man
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.
Police launch manhunt for suspects
Robbers disarm metro cop
CRIME SCENE: Lenasia, Johannesburg: The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) have launched a full-scale manhunt following an incident in Lenasia where an on-duty officer was disarmed of his service weapon.
A video of the incident, which happened on Thursday morning, 3 September 2026, has since gone viral on social media.
The video shows the officer being accosted by three armed men and disarmed before fleeing the scene in a car.
The JMPD said in a statement the officer was disarmed while performing official duties in the Lenasia area.
“During the encounter, the suspects managed to disarm the officer before fleeing the scene in a getaway vehicle toward the Golden Highway.
“No severe physical injuries to the officer have been reported at this stage. Medical and wellness support mechanisms have been activated to assist the officer involved.
“The JMPD strongly condemns any attack on law enforcement personnel, as an attack on an officer represents a direct threat to the safety of our communities. Dedicated units, in collaboration with law enforcement partners, are actively investigating the matter to recover the weapon and bring those responsible to justice.
We appeal to members of the public who may have information regarding this incident to report it immediately.”
Information can be shared anonymously via the City of Johannesburg emergency number 011 375 5911 or the South African Police Service Crime Stop number 08600 10111.
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Bust follows just a week after R200 m cocaine was seized
Drug mule arrested at airport
CRIME SCENE: OR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg: A week after police made a major drug bust, another suspected drug mule has been arrested here.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) arrested the 54-year-old South African on Thursday morning, 3 September after cocaine was found in the suspect’s luggage..
According to SAPS the arrest follows the operationalisation of intelligence-led information by the police regarding the suspect, who was reportedly en route to Hong Kong, China, when he was intercepted at the airport.
“A search of the suspect and his luggage led to the discovery of the suspected cocaine concealed inside the luggage. The exact value and weight of the drugs is yet to be determined and will be confirmed in due course,” said SAPS.
Last week, police intercepted two separate cocaine consignments at OR Tambo airport, with a combined estimated value of R200 million.
SAPS said it remained committed to disrupting and dismantling drug trafficking networks through intelligence-led operations and targeted interventions at ports of entry.