JOHANNESBURG - A 38-year-old man who was kidnapped in Johannesburg’s CBD has been rescued unharmed, while five suspects have been arrested following an intelligence-driven investigation into a kidnapping and extortion case.
The man was kidnapped on 30 August 2026, after which the suspects reportedly demanded a $2-million ransom for his release.
Following the incident, a multidisciplinary team comprising Johannesburg Central detectives, Crime Intelligence, the Anti-Kidnapping Team, the Flying Squad and private security companies launched an investigation to locate the victim and identify those responsible.
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The breakthrough came on Sunday, 4 October 2026, when investigators arrested three men.
The suspects were allegedly found in possession of the cellphone believed to have been used to contact the victim’s family and demand the ransom.
The investigation subsequently led police to a property in Randfontein, where the man was found and safely rescued.
Two additional suspects were arrested at the property, bringing the total number of arrests to five.
The suspects are expected to face charges of kidnapping and extortion.