South African police have arrested a 40-year-old Zambian national accused of masterminding a series of business kidnappings and a multimillion-rand drug syndicate.
The suspect was apprehended on Sunday as he arrived at OR Tambo International Airport.
Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said the man has been identified as a key figure in a transnational organised crime network involved in a kidnapping-for-ransom scheme targeting affluent businessmen in South Africa.
“The suspect is linked to a kidnapping for ransom syndicate targeting businessmen and linked to the R300 million [about US$16.3 million] crystal meth drugs that were seized in Fourways three weeks ago,” Mathe said
She said he was specifically linked to the kidnapping of a 63-year-old businessman in Roodepoort.
The investigation into the accused’s activities has been intensifying, particularly in light of a recent spate of kidnappings that have raised alarm across the country.
The suspect will face charges along with eight others who were arrested in connection to both the kidnapping of the businessman and the drug bust.
This arrest comes amid a broader context of increasing concern over organised crime in South Africa, particularly as kidnapping incidents have surged in recent years.
Business leaders and authorities are increasingly calling for enhanced security measures to protect individuals at risk of such crimes.
JN/APA