EAST LONDON - The Hawks in the Eastern Cape have bust a kidnapping syndicate.
According to their spokesperson, Avele Fumba, it all began when unknown suspects ambushed two people on the N2 highway between Qonce and Peddie.
They kidnapped one after firing shots and disabling the victim’s vehicle.
“One victim escaped while the other was abducted,” Fumba said.
On Monday, the kidnappers demanded ransom from the victim’s family.
“When the victim was not released, the Hawks intensified their investigation.”
Fumba says on Wednesday the task team conducted a strategic operation, with private security teams, that led to the arrest of three suspects.
They recovered two pistols and, extending the operation to Alice, found the kidnapped Ethiopian national.
"At the hideout, the suspects fired at officers. The Hawks and their partners returned fire in a controlled response and neutralised three armed suspects. No law enforcement personnel were injured,” he said.
According to Fumba, three additional illegal firearms were seized.
The arrested suspects will face charges of kidnapping, attempted murder and possession of unlicensed firearms, among others.
They are due to appear in the Peddie Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 15 September.