A multi-disciplinary law enforcement team in Gauteng has been lauded for their rapid response in rescuing a University of Witwatersrand (Wits) student from a notorious kidnapping syndicate.
How a kidnapping syndicate lured a Wits student on Grindr
This commendable operation led to the arrest of seven suspects and the recovery of critical evidence, including three knives and the student’s personal belongings.
In a statement, police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili revealed the incident began when the student was reported missing on the same day by his roommate.
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According to reports, he had been lured into a dangerous situation through Grindr, a dating application popular among the LGBTQIA+ community.
The kidnappers subsequently demanded a ransom of R30,000 from the victim’s family in exchange for his safe release.
On Wednesday, 20 September 2023, a specialised task force, consisting of members from various law enforcement agencies, successfully operationalised critical information.
This intelligence led them to an ATM on the M2 Road, where one of the suspects was expected to withdraw the ransom money. Acting with vigilance, the police maintained surveillance and promptly apprehended the suspect upon his arrival.
The captured suspect cooperated with the authorities and provided valuable information that led the team to the Denver Men’s Hostel. Here, they discovered the 18-year-old victim, who had been bound and rendered unconscious.
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In the wake of these events, six additional suspects were taken into custody. The victim received urgent medical attention at a local hospital.
Currently, investigators are exploring the possibility of linking these arrested individuals to other cases in Gauteng that share similar modus operandi.
All seven suspects will face charges of kidnapping and extortion and are expected to appear in court in due course.