LIMPOPO POLICE INTENSIFY MANHUNT FOR KIDNAPPING AND EXTORTION SUSPECTS AS 51-YEAR-OLD BUSINESSMAN IS SAFELY RECOVERED
POLOKWANE – The police in Limpopo have intensified manhunt for four unknown male suspects following the kidnapping and extortion of a 51-year-old businessman in the Nebo policing area, Sekhukhune District. The victim has since been safely reunited with his family.
The members of the Provincial Organised Crime Unit are actively pursuing the suspects linked to the incident, which occurred on Wednesday, 07 January 2026, at approximately 07:30. The victim, a Pakistani national and business owner of a local hardware was kidnapped while entering his business premises with his brother.
The suspects, who were allegedly armed with firearms, abducted the victim at gunpoint and fled the scene in a Toyota Corolla fitted with blue lights bearing an unknown registration numbers.
On Friday, 09 January 2026, the suspects contacted the victim’s wife using a cellular phone and demanded a ransom of ten million rand (R10 million) for his release. A video showing the victim in captivity was also sent to the family.
In response, the police launched a co-ordinated, multi-disciplinary operation involving the Provincial Organised Crime Unit, National Head Office Crime Intelligence , Northwest Police in Britz and Mooinooi as well Eastern Cape Police.
Investigative efforts included advanced cellphone profiling, which led police to the Eastern Cape, where the cellphone owner reported that the device had been lost and that she was also a victim of fraud.
As a result of sustained police pressure, the victim was released in the early hours of Tuesday, 13 January 2026, and dropped off at Bapong near Brits in the North West province. He sustained minor injuries to his hands and feet.
The Emergency Medical Services were immediately summoned to provide medical assistance. The victim was later transported by police back to Limpopo province, where he was safely reunited with his family.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Major General Scheepers, welcomed the safe recovery of the victim.
“This was a complex and serious crime, and we commend the co-ordinated efforts of all role players involved. Our teams are working tirelessly, and we will not rest until those responsible are traced and arrested,” said Major General Scheepers.»
A case of kidnapping and extortion is under investigation, and concerted efforts have been intensified to trace and arrest the suspects.
Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is urged to contact the Investigating Officer, Colonel Saliem Wahab, on 082 319 9291, Crime Stop on 08600 10111, the nearest police station, or submit information via the MySAPSApp.
