Kidnapped Portuguese Businessman Rescued in Johannesburg

Gauteng police have successfully rescued a Portuguese businessman who was kidnapped earlier this week. The multi-disciplinary Crime Intelligence Kidnapping Team executed a tactical operation in Westdene, Johannesburg, on Saturday morning, securing his safe release.

Arrest and Rescue Operation

Police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Amanda van Wyk confirmed that a 26-year-old Zimbabwean national was arrested during the rescue.

“The businessman was kidnapped on Tuesday, 11 March 2025, shortly after dropping off an employee in Rewlatch. A ransom was later demanded for his release,” Van Wyk said.

Following intelligence leads, law enforcement officers, including the Special Task Force, Crime Intelligence Cyber Security, and Soweto Hostage Negotiation Team (HNT), identified the suspect’s location and launched a tactical intervention.

Upon arrival, officers found the victim unharmed and took the suspect into custody. Authorities have stated that investigations are ongoing, with more arrests expected.

Recent Kidnapping Cases in Gauteng

This rescue marks the third successful kidnapping resolution in Gauteng within a week.

• Last week, two former Western Cape police officers were among four suspects arrested in Gauteng after authorities rescued a 55-year-old Pakistani businessman who had been kidnapped in Graaff-Reinet, Eastern Cape. The kidnappers had posed as immigration officials before abducting him.

• On Monday, police rescued an Ethiopian businessman kidnapped outside a Norwood restaurant. The operation ended in a shootout, leaving one suspect dead.

Authorities continue to crack down on criminal syndicates involved in kidnappings, warning perpetrators that law enforcement will respond swiftly to such crimes.

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