EMPD chase in Benoni ends in crash, arrest and rescue of kidnapping victim

A high-speed pursuit by Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) officers in Benoni ended in a crash, the rescue of a kidnapping victim and the arrest of a 34-year-old suspect, the EMPD said. The incident occurred on Sunday and was reported by the EMPD on 2 June 2026.

Officers spot suspicious vehicle and begin pursuit

EMPD officers were patrolling when they noticed a white Mercedes-Benz sedan emerging from an open field along New Modder Road with five male occupants. According to the EMPD:

“They attempted to stop the vehicle, and although the driver initially appeared to comply, he suddenly sped off, triggering a high-speed pursuit through the streets of Benoni.”

Dangerous driving and crash

The EMPD said the driver “drove recklessly, ignoring traffic lights and stop signs and at times drove against oncoming traffic on one-way streets, placing motorists and pedestrians at risk.” The pursuit ended when the driver lost control at the corner of Woburn Avenue and Swan Street, crashing into a drainage structure.

Apprehension, rescue and recovered items

Following the crash, three occupants fled on foot while the driver and one passenger were apprehended at the scene. Further investigation revealed that one of the occupants was a kidnapping victim. The EMPD said the victim alleged he had been abducted at gunpoint from his residence, assaulted, and forced into the vehicle against his will. The victim received medical treatment at the scene and was transported to a nearby hospital for further care.

Police searched the vehicle and recovered a black 9mm firearm with a filed-off serial number concealed beneath the driver’s seat, as well as nine bank cards from various financial institutions, the EMPD said.

Charges and ongoing inquiries

“The suspect was arrested and detained at Benoni Police Station on charges of kidnapping, possession of an unlicensed firearm, and reckless and negligent driving,” the EMPD said. The suspect is expected to appear in court soon, and investigations continue to trace the remaining suspects.