POPULR DJ arrested after police foil a kidnapping plot in Katlehong, Ekurhuleni.
Cops rescued two victims and recovered firearms during a dramatic intelligence-driven operation on Thursday, 19 March.
The suspect, popularly known as DJ Spitjo from Sebokeng, Vaal, is among four people taken into custody following a coordinated police response triggered by a tip-off.
According to preliminary reports, authorities received crucial information from a nightshift security officer at Eastgate Mall in Ekurhuleni, who noticed suspicious activity.
"Information was received from a nightshift security officer at Eastgate Mall regarding suspicious activities involving individuals impersonating another person using her cellphone," said the police.
Acting swiftly on the intelligence, police launched a targeted operation at the mall, leading to the arrest of three suspects on site.
"Acting on this intelligence, the police initiated a coordinated intelligence-driven operation which led to the arrest of three suspects at Eastgate Mall," the statement read.
Further investigations then directed officers to a safe house in the Dikole section of Katlehong. Upon arrival, the situation escalated into a shoot-out between cops and suspects.
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"Subsequent investigations directed the police to a safe house in Dikole section, Katlehong. Upon arrival, an exchange of gunfire ensued," police confirmed.
One more suspect was arrested at the scene, while officers also recovered two unlicenced firearms loaded with live ammunition.
Inside the house, police found and rescued two victims, a man and a woman, who were fortunately unharmed.
"Two victims, a man and a woman, were found at the ‘safe house' and rescued without injuries," police said.
It's understood that the female victim was hijacked while driving a navy-blue BMW X3 and was allegedly forced to transfer money during the ordeal.
"The female victim had earlier been hijacked while driving a navy-blue BMW X3 and was subsequently forced to transfer an estimated amount of R180 000 from her bank accounts," the statement added.
The arrests have sent shockwaves through the local entertainment scene.
Police investigations are ongoing and the suspects are expected to appear in court soon as authorities continue efforts to clamp down on organised crime in Gauteng.
