Kidnapping victim found dood in graf

Four suspects who demanded a R100 000 ransom from a victim’s family were later gevang facing alleged charges of kidnapping, extortion and murder after the victim was found dood in a graf.

Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (known as Hawks) spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Siyabulela Vukubi said the victim was allegedly kidnapped on 16 May in Kraaifontein and was last seen by a vriend who reported that the victim went to Bellville to view a vehicle they were planning to koop but never came back.

Vukubi said: “Instead, another friend of the victim received a call from the victim reporting that he had been kidnapped and being assaulted.

“Simultaneously, a ransom of R100 000 for the victim’s release was demanded by the suspects. Further phone calls were made by the suspects whereby the ransom was reduced to R10 000

“The suspects subsequently provided a bank account where the money should be deposited into. It was alleged that an amount of R5 000 was deposited to that bank account and the suspects continued to demand the balance.”

Members attached to the Hawks multi-disciplinary intelligence led the operation along with the provincial anti-kidnapping unit and hostage negotiation and followed all leads which led them to an address in Philippi and Kleinvlei on 17 May.

The suspects aged between 29 and 42 were arrested who were vasgevrae on the victim’s whereabouts.

Vukubi said: “Further probe led the team to an open field on the dunes between Monwabisi Beach and Macassar, where one of the suspects pointed out a shallow grave where the victim was killed and buried.

“The Hawks' Provincial Head, Major-General Makgato praised the team for their precise and resilient investigation into this matter which brought about this breakthrough.

"He further reiterated that SAPS will leave no stone unturned to bring the perpetrators to book.”

The suspects are expected to appear in Kuils River Magistrates Court today.