Four men, who allegedly kidnapped two Bangladeshi businessmen on the KwaZulu-Natal south coast, were arrested on Wednesday.
Hawks spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Simphiwe Mhlongo said the suspects were aged between 22 and 53 years.
They were arrested for two cases of kidnapping and extortion which occurred at Hibberdene and Margate.
“On 26 April, 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 R800000. A case of kidnapping was reported at Margate police station and the case docket was allocated to the Hawks members.”
“During investigation and negotiations, a ransom of R115000 was paid on 1 May and the victim was released the following day,” said Mhlongo.
On 18 May, another 24-year-old Bangladeshi man was kidnapped in Hbberdene.
“Kidnappers called his employer and demanded a ransom of R500000. A case of kidnapping was reported at Hibberdene police station and the case docket was again allocated to the Hawks members for intensive investigation,” said Mhlongo.
On Wednesday, a joint operation was conducted and a ransom of R100000 was paid to the kidnappers.
“Soon after that three suspects were arrested near the private hospital and R94000 was recovered. The arrested suspects led the police to a farm in Umzumbe where one more suspect was arrested and the victim was successfully rescued. He was taken to hospital for medical attention,” said Mhlongo.
The men will appear in the Umzumbe Magistrate’s Court on Friday.