
Johannesburg – Authorities have successfully rescued a kidnapped Portuguese businessman in Westdene, Johannesburg.
The businessman was abducted on Tuesday, (11 March 2025), shortly after dropping off an employee in Rewlatch.
A ransom was later demanded for his safe release.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk reported that a multidisciplinary team acted on “intelligence” and carried out a tactical operation at a location in Westdene on Saturday morning, (15 March 2025).
“On their arrival at the site, officers found the businessman unharmed and arrested the suspect,” stated Lieutenant Colonel Van Wyk.
The Portuguese businessman was rescued by a multi-disciplinary team.
The South African Police Service team included members from the National Crime Intelligence Kidnapping Team, Special Task Force, Gauteng Crime Intelligence Kidnapping Team, Crime Intelligence Cyber Security, and the Soweto Hostage Negotiation Team.
Lieutenant Colonel Van Wyk noted that the arrested individual is a 26-year-old national from Zimbabwe.
“The investigation is ongoing, and further arrests are expected,” the police spokesperson mentioned.
The suspect is set to appear in court next week.