Gauteng police have thwarted a kidnapping attempt targeting a Benoni businessman, resulting in one suspect killed and nine others arrested during a shootout in Ivory Park.
The operation, led by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit in collaboration with private security teams, was initiated after authorities received a tip-off about the planned abduction. Acting on the information, law enforcement intercepted the syndicate before they could execute their plan.
According to police, one suspect attempted to evade arrest and opened fire on officers. Police retaliated, fatally shooting the suspect.
Authorities revealed that the deceased suspect had recently been released from prison.
During the operation, police seized three firearms and a vehicle used in the crime. Investigations have since linked the confiscated items to other criminal activities.
The swift action by law enforcement has been praised as a significant step in combating kidnapping syndicates in the province. Investigations into the group’s other potential crimes are ongoing.