Businessman kidnapped on arrival at Joburg airport, police make 5 arrests

Five Pakistani nationals allegedly behind the kidnapping of a visiting Indian businessman have been arrested in a police operation in Johannesburg.

Police sources said the suspects, who will appear in the Johannesburg magistrate's court on Friday, allegedly kidnapped the businessman at OR Tambo International Airport last week.

“The victim, who had come to South Africa for a scrap metal business deal, was snatched at the airport shortly after he arrived on Friday. His family received a ransom demand and paid $37,500 [R645,790] via Hawala, which was to be paid from India to Dubai to Johannesburg,” TimesLIVE Premium was told.

The hostage was released and found at the airport on Monday.

Crime intelligence agents received information about the identities and whereabouts of the suspects. The information was followed up and their alleged hideout in Crown Road, Fordsburg, was located.

The hideout was held under observation and a task team, including organised crime officers, dog unit members and private security officers, was established.

The team raided the hideout and the five suspects, who are all Pakistani nationals, were arrested on Tuesday night.

The arrested suspects were allegedly found with the cellphone used to communicate with the victim’s family.

“The hostage’s watch, driver’s licence, a pistol, three knives, four cellphones and a large amount of cash were also recovered,” according to the sources.