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Two men have been arrested following a kidnapping incident in Mpumalanga in which suspects allegedly demanded ransom money from the victim’s family.
The arrests were made on Thursday, 05 March 2026, during a coordinated operation by the Anti-Hijacking Task Team in the Enhlanzeni District, the Pilgrim’s Rest Illicit Operational Team and Crime Intelligence.
The members were conducting tracking and tracing operations when they received information about a kidnapping case where suspects were demanding money from the victim’s relatives.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the victim’s family had already sent R1 000 as part of the ransom demand. The money was reportedly withdrawn in Matsulu, prompting police to intensify their investigation in the area.
Officers were informed that the suspects had arranged for the family to send an additional R2 600, which was to be withdrawn at a local supermarket.
Police then planned a tactical take-down operation and positioned officers around the complex. When the suspect attempted to withdraw the money, he was identified and immediately arrested.
During a search, police found the suspect in possession of the kidnapped victim’s cellphone, which was seized as evidence.
Further investigations led officers to Matsulu A, where a second suspect was traced and arrested shortly afterwards.
Police later established that the suspects near Barberton had already released the victim before the operation took place. The victim was safely reunited with his family.
The two suspects, aged 39 and 23, have been detained and are expected to appear before the Sabie Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 06 March 2026.
Police investigations are continuing.
