In a dramatic and expertly coordinated operation, the South African Police Service (SAPS) rescued two businessmen mere hours after they were hijacked and kidnapped in Midrand, Gauteng, proving once again the effectiveness of the SAPS Anti-Kidnapping Task Team.
According to a statement released by SAPS on Tuesday, the victims were ambushed at a car rental company by suspects driving a silver/grey Hyundai i10. The men were then forcibly taken to an isolated bushy area along the R21 highway, where they were threatened and forced to hand over their bank card PINs. The kidnappers swiftly drained funds from the victims’ accounts—but the police were even faster.
An alert to SAPS prompted a rapid and multidisciplinary response, led by the Anti-Kidnapping Task Team. Within hours, officers located the victims in dense bushland and safely rescued both men. The hijacked Range Rover was also later found in Tembisa, further demonstrating the success of the mission.
In their official statement, SAPS reassured the public:
“The SAPS would like to assure the nation that it has the necessary expertise to rescue victims of kidnappings and urge friends, family and bystanders to immediately alert the SAPS when they become aware of any crime, including an active kidnapping.”
This latest rescue showcases the growing skill and coordination within SAPS units dedicated to combatting violent crimes like kidnapping and hijacking—especially those with financial motivations.
