A Mozambican kidnapping kingpin was fatally shot during a targeted police operation by the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) Anti-Kidnapping Task Team at a residential complex in Fourways, Johannesburg, on Saturday morning.
The operation, aimed at rescuing a kidnapped Pakistani businessman from Pretoria West, escalated when the suspect reportedly resisted arrest and opened fire on police, resulting in a shootout.
Prior investigations led officers to a residential complex in Carlswald, Midrand, where two alleged kidnappers were arrested. Authorities also seized two vehicles—a Mercedes-Benz and a silver Pajero—along with an unlicensed firearm loaded with 10 rounds, four cellphones, and four bank cards.
The task team later traced the kingpin to an apartment block in Fourways. Following his resistance, the suspect was fatally wounded during the arrest attempt.
The Pakistani businessman remains in captivity, with kidnappers having issued a ransom demand to his family. SAPS is actively pursuing his safe recovery and urges anyone with information to come forward.
This operation underscores ongoing efforts by law enforcement to tackle kidnapping syndicates and ensure community safety across the region.
