Police rescue kidnap victims

Police have rescued two victims, believed to be victims of alleged kidnapping. The victims were reportedly released by their kidnappers due to the pressure exerted upon the suspects by the police. This was as a result of an intelligence-driven operation consisting of the Cash-In-Transit Interim Team of the Hawks, Tactical Response Team (TRT), Crime Intelligence (CI), Provincial Tracing Team and Hostage Negotiators. The victims were held hostage and released after eight days. It alleged that a 39-year-old victim was accosted by unidentified suspects whilst she was driving a Toyota Fortuner, travelling to Umngazi Resort, Port St John's, on 20 September 2024. In another incident, a 34-year-old victim was also accosted by unidentified suspects on 17 September 2024 between Barkley East and Elliot. The investigations by the joint team ensued, where the police were working around the clock. As a result, the victims were allegedly dropped off by a white Toyota single cab bakkie nearby Sulenkama Police Station. Both victims were released unharmed but were traumatised and were taken to a health care facility for medical assistance. The investigations are still underway. The Provincial Head of the Hawks, Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya, applauded the joint team for making sure that the victims were released unharmed and reunited with their families. Source: South African Government News Agency