'Mastermind' nabbed during rescue of kidnapped Lenasia businessman, R6m seized
A Gauteng businessman, who was kidnapped earlier this week is safely back home, while police have seized R6 million believed to be ransom money paid in other cases.
Police say 34-year old Luqman Kazi of Lenasia, south of Johannesburg, was abducted while on his way to work three days ago.
National police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe says a multi-disciplinary team rescued him overnight and made arrests.
Officers seized R6 million believed to be ransom money paid for other kidnapping victims.
"During a midnight takedown operation on Thursday 17 March 2022, the team simultaneously pounced on four identified addresses. At the first address in Lawley, police found and rescued the victim, seized a 9mm unlicensed firearm and arrested three suspects."
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"At the other addresses in Lenasia, the team arrested three more suspects which include a 43-year-old Mozambican national believed to be the mastermind behind a number of kidnapping cases in Gauteng.
"Police also found and seized R6 million in cash which is believed to be ransom paid on other kidnapping cases, an unlicensed AK47 rifle, ammunition, one hijacked motor vehicle, a VW polo that was utilised in the kidnapping of the businessman, military-grade signal jammers as well as various vehicle registration number plates."
All six suspects are facing charges including kidnapping, extortion, money laundering, and possession of a hijacked vehicle.
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