KwaZulu-Natal police have urged Road Accident Fund beneficiaries not to publicise their payouts after a woman was kidnapped and forced into attempted financial transactions.
Image: File
Police in KwaZulu-Natal have arrested three suspects after rescuing a Road Accident Fund (RAF) beneficiary who was kidnapped with seven others from their home in Chappies Section, Mandeville area, Sundumbili, in the early hours of Friday morning.
The victims were kidnapped on Friday.
KwaZulu-Natal provincial police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said the seven victims were reportedly released in KwaDabeka a short while later.
However, he said the woman, who recently received her RAF payout, was taken to an unknown location.
Netshiunda said the Provincial Tracking Team was activated, and officers quickly located one of the two vehicles used in the kidnapping and arrested three suspects.
“Investigations led police to Phoenix where the victim, who is in her mid to late 30s, was found unharmed.”
He said police are appealing to RAF beneficiaries not to disclose their payouts or brag about the money they received.
“The suspects attempted several transactions to no avail, however they managed to make purchases amounting to R30,000.”
Netshiunda said the arrested suspects will appear in court soon.
“The search is on for more possible suspects,” he said.
Last month, IOL News reported that police were investigating a kidnapping case after a woman was lured through an online platform and held for ransom.
Various law enforcement agencies rescued her in Umlazi.
Durban Metropolitan Police Service spokesperson Colonel Boysie Zungu said the woman was lured by her alleged kidnappers to meet in Isipingo before being taken to Umlazi.
He said the suspects demanded a ransom of R50,000 from her family and issued multiple threats to harm her.
“Proof of life was confirmed during ongoing communication with the victim’s family. An urgent multi-disciplinary response was activated, including the SAPS Hostage and Crisis Negotiation Team, Crime Intelligence, and the DMPS K9 Unit.
“Information led authorities to the Umlazi area, where a rapid response operation was executed. Upon arrival, the suspects fled the scene, and members successfully located and rescued the victim near an abandoned building.”
Zungu said the victim sustained injuries and received medical attention.
He said no ransom was paid and preliminary information indicated that five suspects were involved.
“Investigations are ongoing, and a suspect has already been identified. This successful operation highlights the importance of coordinated law enforcement efforts in ensuring public safety. All role players are commended for their swift and professional response.”
Netshiunda previously confirmed that police were investigating a kidnapping case.
IOL News