South Africa, Two people were saved as the undercover police witnessed them being hijacked and kidnapped at gunpoint by vicious kidnapers in Kensington on Saturday.
Conformed by the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), three men were arrested after the rapid response by the undercover officers.
According to Xolani Fihla, the JMPD spokesperson, the officers were on the watch in the afternoon when they saw a hijacking and kidnapping.
Xolani said in a statement, “the victims were viciously forced out of a Blue Chana Benni at gunpoint. Officers made a U-turn, and the suspects fled the scene.”
The JMPD spokesperson said a silver Toyota Etios, which has no registration number, drove away in one direction and a white Toyota Quantum in another direction.
Officers marked to go after the white Toyota Quantum, for the sake of the victims held hostage in it.
Xolani said a top-speed chase evolved, and shots were as well fired, as the officers tried to stop the vehicle which was driving careless.
“The Toyota Quantum lost control and crashed into a huge tree at the corner of 11th Avenue and 8th streets, Kensington. Three male suspects were apprehended, as one suspect fled the scene on foot.”
Two 9mm pistols were retrieved in the operation and two other hostages were also rescued with no injuries.
Xolani added, “It’s alleged that the hostages were carrying a large amount of money that the suspects in the Toyota Etios managed to flee with.”
He said the suspects were previously out on bail for other crimes. Xolani said they were some of the most needed criminals for hijackings and armed business robberies in the Jeppe Area.
They have been summoned with hijackings, possession of unlicensed firearms and kidnapping. They are expected to appear in the court on Monday, the 20 of February.
Bheki Cele, the Police Minister on Friday said that crime statistics showed a rapid rise in the numbers of kidnapping per the last three months.
He said about 2,605 kidnapping cases had been opened over the country during the reporting term.
