Police rescue Portuguese businessman, arrest 5 'kidnappers'

The operation, led by the South African Police Service's Special Task Force on Thursday afternoon, was based on intelligence-driven efforts.

National police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe says the businessman, who owns a Waltloo butchery in Johannesburg, was abducted last week in Southgate.

"He has been reunited with his family. The man was kidnapped for ransom, but no payment was made due to the swift action of the police," says Mathe.

She adds: "Upon receiving the report, a rescue team swiftly assembled."

During a takedown operation on Thursday afternoon, police arrested two suspects believed to be drivers of the getaway vehicles.

"At approximately 10:30 p.m. on Thursday, the team raided Nancefield Hostel in Soweto, where the businessman was found tied up and under guard. One additional suspect was arrested at the hostel," Mathe explained.

Further information led the team to a house in White City, Soweto, where two more suspects were apprehended.

Mathe notes that police recovered the victim's bank cards and wallet during the operation.

"This marks the second rescue of a Portuguese businessman from a Soweto residence this week. He had been abducted outside his business premises previously," Mathe added.

She has also highlighted that in the past six months, over 54 kidnappers operating in Gauteng, North West, Mpumalanga, and the Free State have been arrested.