Meanwhile, it has been revealed that another businessman was nearly snatched in Rondebosch East earlier this week.
Investigators are now working around the clock to find the mastermind behind a syndicate that appears to be targeting businessmen in the Cape, sources say.
The Chinese businessman was snatched at his home in Monte Vista on Saturday after he and another person returned from a day at Caledon Casino.
Sources say the kidnappers had been waiting for the man outside his home and that the snatching “was well planned”.
The businessman owns a bottle store in Delft, among others.
After negotiating with the family, the kidnappers eventually settled for R100 000 and released the businessman.
Wakker cops then traced the gang to Bloekombos in Kraaifontein where they were nabbed on Sunday.
The men, aged 31, 33 and 40, cannot be identified before they make their appearance at the Goodwood Magistrate's Court.
They were formally charged with kidnapping and extortion late yesterday afternoon, after being in police custody for two days, where they were “intensely questioned” by an elite investigative team, police sources say.
On Tuesday, Hanif Loonat, who is assisting kidnapped victims and their families, said this was just the tip of the iceberg and more arrests are imminent.
“There was another attempt in Rondebosch East this week but they were not successful and we cannot divulge more information,” he revealed.
“We are happy these men have been charged, but it must be noted that there is one mastermind behind this syndicate.
“These suspects were questioned and they were charged yesterday [Tuesday] and will be appearing in court [on Wednesday].”
Police did not respond to a Daily Voice query about the men’s charges by Tuesday night.
There is still no word of the whereabouts of businessman Sadeck Zhaun Ahmed, 71, who was abducted by four masked men in front of his business in Salt River on 25 July.
According to a source, the kidnappers demanded $3.3m (R44m) for his safe return.