FIVE alleged kidnappers have been arrested following a coordinated intelligence-driven operation targeting kidnapping syndicates in Gauteng.
According to the police, the arrests followed the kidnapping of a 47-year-old woman on 17 June while she was on her way to a gym in Edenvale.
The following day, her husband reportedly received a ransom demand of R2 million for her safe release.
Police said multiple law enforcement agencies were mobilised immediately, with intelligence teams tracing and placing two suspected vehicles under surveillance.
On 23 June, a ransom drop-off was arranged, where tactical teams moved in and arrested two suspects who arrived to collect the money. Three additional suspects were arrested nearby shortly afterwards.
Authorities said the suspects were found in possession of multiple cellphones believed to have been used in coordinating the kidnapping and ransom negotiations
Further investigations led police to a separate breakthrough, where two victims were rescued. Both had sustained minor injuries and were treated medically before being reunited with their families.
One of the rescued victims, a 44-year-old woman, was reportedly kidnapped on 19 June in Germiston, Ekurhuleni.
Gauteng police commissioner Tommy Mthomben praised the multidisciplinary operation, which included the South African Police Service (SAPS) units, the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD), and private security companies operating under the Eyes and Ears project.
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He said the collaboration between the agencies had strengthened the fight against organised crime.
"This collaboration has proven to be fruitful, and we will continue to work together in the fight against crime and maximise police visibility for the safety of the people of Gauteng," said Mthombeni.
The arrested suspects, aged between 28 and 45, are expected to appear in court soon on charges of kidnapping and extortion.
The police said investigations are continuing and further arrests haven't been ruled out as detectives probe possible links to wider kidnapping networks operating in the province.
Authorities have also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity, especially in cases involving ransom demands or unusual surveillance around residential and commercial areas.
