$2m ransom demand: Kidnapped Gauteng man rescued, five arrested - IOL

A kidnapped man has been rescued unharmed and five suspects arrested after Gauteng police traced a cellphone allegedly used to demand a $2 million ransom from his family.

Gauteng police have rescued a man who was allegedly kidnapped and arrested five suspects following an intelligence-driven investigation into a kidnapping and extortion case.

The victim was found unharmed after investigators acted on information relating to his abduction and a ransom demand of $2 million for his release.

A kidnapping and extortion case was registered at Johannesburg Central Police Station.

Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said a multidisciplinary team comprising Johannesburg Central detectives, Crime Intelligence, the Anti-Kidnapping Team, the Flying Squad and private security companies immediately launched an investigation to locate the victim and identify the perpetrators.

“On Sunday, October 4, 2026, the investigation led to the arrest of three men, who were found in possession of the cellphone allegedly used to contact the victim’s family to demand the ransom,” Nevhuhulwi said.

Further investigations led the team to a plot in Randfontein, where the victim was located and safely rescued.

Nevhuhulwi said two additional suspects were arrested at the premises.

Nevhuhulwi said all five suspects are expected to face charges of kidnapping and extortion.

“The investigation continues,” she added.