The mention of a kidnap victim, drugs and a gun found in a well-known gated complex in Queensburgh. caused concern for residents.
WORKING on a tip-off, police were able to free a kidnapping victim who was being held hostage by suspects in a unit they had rented in a well-known gated complex in Escombe, Queensburgh, last week.
A 42-year-old Nigerian man who was reported missing was found bound with tape when members of a specialised police unit stormed the home where he was being kept, on the back of extensive investigative work.
KwaZulu-Natal provincial spokesperson, Colonel Robert Netshiunda, confirmed that the man was previously kidnapped while shopping in Umbilo, before being moved by suspects into the St James at Queens gated community.
There, the hostage was forced to transfer money into his captors bank accounts.
“His vehicle was later found abandoned in New Germany. An intensive investigation led to the arrest of the suspects,” said Netshiunda.
During the late afternoon of August 28, police were able to locate the unit in which the hostage was being held and they gained entry.
A Nigerian man who was with the victim was arrested.
Police had to lay in wait for two more suspects who were apparently out buying food when the initial breakthrough was made.
Upon entering St James, the suspects got a sense that there might be police present and attempted to flee, but officers were able to effect their arrests.
Netshiunda said the ages of the three suspects arrested were 34, 35 and 38 and police also recovered drugs and an unlicensed firearm.
“They were charged for dealing in drugs, possession of an unlicensed firearm, kidnapping and carjacking.
“A 34-year-old suspect was arrested in Umbilo in relation to the case of carjacking.”
“The suspects appeared in the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday and they were remanded in custody until October 16.
Netshiunda said the suspects will be profiled to check if they were linked to other cases.
It is believed that the suspects had been renting at the unit for more than two months before they were arrested.
Patrollers from the Malvern Community Policing Forum previously noticed a vehicle travelling in the area at odd hours and had become suspicious.
On the day of the arrests, two of the suspects had arrived at the complex in the same vehicle, before they were nabbed by police.
A trustee from St James, who asked not to be named, suggested that property owners should ensure that buyers/tenants are screened to confirm legal citizenship and that the property will be used as living quarters and not for commercial purposes.
“It is in the best interest of landlords, and other residents, to visit their tenants regularly,” said the trustee.
Kevin Pillay, chairperson of the local Malvern CPF, said the incident sent shock waves through the community.
“The mention of kidnapping, guns and drugs has become a cause of concern and shook residents. We had a street meeting on Wednesday and the response was good. The community is keen to mobilise.”
Pillay said unfortunately it took something of a serious nature to happen for people from the neighbourhood to react.
He also called on homeowners who use agencies to lease out their properties to know and be involved with what goes on at their properties.
“It is a concern. While property owners live elsewhere, those living with and around tenants have to face the consequences of their inappropriate and even criminal conduct at times,” said Pillay.