The KwaZulu-Natal SAPS Provincial Tracing Team (PTT) has arrested three suspects following a dramatic kidnapping takedown linked to the abduction of eight people from a home in Chappies Section, Sundumbili, on Friday morning.
Police say the suspects were tracked and intercepted on Umgeni Road while travelling in the victim’s Hyundai vehicle on Saturday.
According to investigators, all the victims except one woman in her 30s were released in KwaDabeka shortly after the kidnapping. The woman was allegedly held captive in Phoenix.
Within hours of the kidnapping, the Provincial Tracing Team reportedly identified one of the two vehicles allegedly used in the crime, leading officers to the suspects and ultimately to the safe recovery of the woman, who was found unharmed.
Police believe the kidnapping may have been motivated by a recent Road Accident Fund (RAF) payout received by the woman. Authorities say the suspects had already allegedly spent about R30,000 of the money before their arrest.
The case has sparked renewed warnings from police, who are urging members of the public to avoid publicly disclosing financial payouts or settlements, warning that doing so may expose them to criminal targeting.
Investigations are continuing, with police confirming that more suspects are still being sought in connection with the kidnapping.
