Search for new car ends in tragedy

THE Hawks have made a breakthrough in their investigation into the kidnapping of a local man who was last seen on his way to view a car he was interested in buying in Bellville before his body was discovered in a shallow grave.

- STAFF REPORTER

Four suspects aged between 29 and 42 were arrested on charges of kidnapping, extortion and murder on Saturday during a multi-disciplinary intelligence-led operation consisting of the Hawks, Provincial Anti-Kidnapping Unit and Hostage Negotiation.

The man was allegedly kidnapped in Kraaifontein on May 16.

He was last seen by a friend who reported he went to Bellville to view a vehicle he intended to purchase and never came back, said Hawks spokesperson Siyabulela Vukubi.

"Instead another friend of the victim received a call from the victim reporting that he had been kidnapped and being assaulted. Simultaneously, a ransom of R100 000 for the victim's release was demanded by the suspects. Further phone calls were made by the suspects whereby the ransom was reduced to R10 000."

Vukubi said the suspects subsequently provided a bank account where the money should be deposited into. An amount of R5 000 was allegedly deposited to that bank account, but the suspects continued to demand the balance.