Gauteng police arrest five in sting, rescue two kidnapping victims

Gauteng police have arrested five alleged kidnappers and rescued two victims after an intelligence-led sting on 23 June 2026. The operation followed two reported abductions and a ransom demand linked to one of the cases.

How the arrests unfolded

Police said the arrests were the result of intense intelligence operations. Two vehicles suspected to be involved in a kidnapping were identified and placed under surveillance, and a monitored ransom drop-off was arranged.

“On 23 June 2026, a drop off was agreed upon, and a team of various law enforcement agencies strategically positioned themselves and pounced upon the two suspects who came to collect the ransom money,”

said Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi, the police spokesperson.

“The team went on to arrest three more suspects who were parked not far from the drop-off area. The suspects were found with multiple cellphones in their possession,”

Nevhuhulwi added.

Victims and earlier incidents

The arrests followed the reported kidnapping of a 47-year-old woman on 17 June 2026 while she was on her way to a gym in Edenvale. The victim’s husband received a ransom demand for R2 million the following day.

Police said the investigation also led to the rescue of two victims, who sustained minor injuries, received medical attention and were reunited with their families. One of the rescued victims was a 44-year-old woman reportedly kidnapped on 19 June 2026 in Germiston.

Multi-agency response and next steps

Provincial Commissioner of SAPS in Gauteng, Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni, praised the multidisciplinary team involved in the operation. Mthombeni singled out units within SAPS, the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department and private security companies working through the Eyes and Ears (E2) project.

“This collaboration has proven to be fruitful, and we will continue to work together in the fight against crime and maximise police visibility for the safety of the people of Gauteng”,

said Mthombeni.

The arrested suspects, aged between 28 and 45, are expected to appear in court soon on charges of kidnapping and extortion.