Suspects nabbed after two Bangladeshis kidnapped on KZN’s south coast
Four suspects have been arrested in connection with the kidnapping of two Bangladeshi men on the south coast.
A 36-year-old man was abducted in Margate last month, and the second, a 24-year-old, was kidnapped in Hibberdene on Saturday.
KwaZulu-Natal Hawks spokesperson Simphiwe Mhlongo says the suspects, aged between 22 and 53, were taken into custody on Wednesday.
"On 26 April 2024, a 36-year-old Bangladesh victim was kidnapped whilst he was on his way to his shop in Margate. The kidnappers contacted a relative of the victim and demanded a ransom of R800 000. A case of kidnapping was reported at Margate Police Station and the case docket was allocated to the Hawks members.
"During the course of investigation and negotiations, a ransom of R115 000.00 was paid on 1 May 2024 and the victim was released the following day.
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"Following that incident, on Saturday, 18 May 2024, another 24-year-old Bangladesh victim was kidnapped in the Hibberdene area. Kidnappers called his employer and demanded a ransom of R500 000.00. A case of kidnapping was reported at Hibberdene police station and the case docket was again allocated to the Hawks members for intensive investigation.
"Yesterday, a joint operation was conducted, and a ransom of R100 000 was paid to the kidnappers. Soon after that, three suspects were arrested near the private hospital, and R94 000 was recovered."
The suspects guided the police to a farm in Umzumbe, leading to the arrest of another suspect and the rescue of the victim.
He was taken to the hospital for medical treatment.
The suspects will appear in the Umzumbe Magistrate’s Court on Friday.
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