A multi-disciplinary team comprising of Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Detectives and Hostage Negotiators, Khuma Detectives, Provincial Crime Intelligence, Potchefstroom Flying Squad, District Illicit Mining Task Team, Klerksdorp Tactical Response Team as well as Harmony Gold and BIU Security employees, cooperated to arrest five suspects for house robbery, kidnapping, extortion and unlawful possession of firearms on Friday, 26 April 2024.
Soon after the incident was reported to the police, the suspects used the son’s cell phone to call the family demanding ransom. With the involvement of hostage negotiators, a drop-off point was agreed upon after the suspects reduced the ransom amount. The team tactically kept an observation until a male was spotted walking from a panel beating workshop, then took the money and ran back.
Investigations further led the team to a house at Extension 13, Kanana Location where two 9mm Glock pistols and a .38 special revolver, all with serial numbers filed off, were seized and a suspect was arrested for unlawful possession of firearms. Moreover, the family’s Toyota Corolla was found abandoned near Rex Flats, at Extension 2, Jouberton Location.