A suspect linked to the kidnapping of 68-year-old Benoni businessman Shamshudeen Faki was killed in a shootout with the SAPS anti-kidnapping task team on the N12 highway in Johannesburg.
Shamshudeen Faki kidnapping suspect killed in police shootout
The incident occurred between the Kliprivier and Xavier off-ramps early on Wednesday morning when a multidisciplinary team, including SAPS counter-intelligence, visible policing, detectives, and private security, confronted the suspect.
According to police, this team had been actively tracing individuals connected to the recent high-profile kidnapping of Shamshudeen Faki.
During the encounter, the suspect, who was previously wanted for multiple vehicle theft and car hijacking cases, engaged in gunfire with the officers, resulting in his death.
The operation forms part of a broader crackdown by South African authorities who have arrested at least 250 suspects linked to kidnapping for ransom over the last two years.
Evidence linking the suspect to the kidnapping
At the time of the shootout, the suspect was found in possession of critical evidence that linked him directly to the Faki kidnapping.
Among the items recovered were Faki’s identity documents, a blue light, and licensed number plates used in the commission of the kidnapping.
Additionally, two firearms, a pistol and a revolver, were found with the suspect.
This evidence was crucial in tying the deceased to the crime scene and establishing his role in the broader criminal network involved in Faki’s abduction.
Faki was kidnapped from his business premises on 11 May 2024, and sadly, despite the ransom demand made to his family, his body was discovered two days later in Dalpark, Johannesburg by a community patrol officer.
