After a house robbery on 26 January and a subsequent kidnapping on 5 February in Strand, law enforcement agencies in the Western Cape collaborated effectively, resulting in the rescue of the hostage and the arrest of two suspects.
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The detained individuals, a 29-year-old man and a 22-year-old woman are now in custody, according to IOL.
Lieutenant Colonel Malcolm Pojie, spokesperson for the Western Cape police, attributed the success of the operation to the coordinated efforts of various specialised units within the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Firearms and ammunition were also seized during the operation.
In an official statement, Pojie said that a comprehensive Anti-Kidnapping Investigation task force, bolstered by the POCC Combat Unit, detectives from Strand, provincial hostage negotiation experts, Crime Intelligence operatives, and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (commonly referred to as Hawks), conducted a targeted operation on Thursday, 22 February. This operation stemmed from ongoing inquiries into a kidnapping incident that occurred on 5 February, intricately tied to a prior house robbery in Strand on 26 January.
He added, ‘The investigation led the team to premises situated in Site B off Mew Way in Khayelitsha on Thursday, where they searched and found two firearms and 200 rounds of different calibres of ammunition. Subsequent to the discovery, members arrested a 29-year-old suspect and seized the firearms, ammunition, and two tortoises which were kept in custody without a permit. The members also found small amounts of drugs which were seized.
‘The members proceeded to another house in close proximity where they found the kidnapped 25-year-old woman. She was rescued, and in the process, the members arrested a 22-year-old female suspect.
Pojie said the suspects face charges of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, possession of items believed to be stolen, unlawful possession of drugs, and the retention of a wild animal in captivity without proper authorisation.
Once formally charged, the suspects are expected to make an appearance in the Khayelitsha Magistrate’s Court.
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