Police in Johannesburg rescue kidnapped Portuguese businessman in Westdene and apprehend suspect

Johannesburg – Authorities have successfully rescued a kidnapped Portuguese businessman in Westdene, Johannesburg.

The businessman was taken hostage on Tuesday, (11 March 2025), shortly after leaving an employee in Rewlatch.

A ransom demand was subsequently made for his safe return.

Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk stated that a multidisciplinary team acted on “intelligence” and executed a tactical operation at a location in Westdene on Saturday morning, (15 March 2025).

“Upon their arrival at the premises, officers discovered the businessman unharmed and apprehended the suspect,” said Lieutenant Colonel Van Wyk.

The Portuguese businessman was freed by a multi-disciplinary team.

The South African Police Service team included members from the National Crime Intelligence Kidnapping Team, Special Task Force, Gauteng Crime Intelligence Kidnapping Team, Crime Intelligence Cyber Security, and Soweto Hostage Negotiation Team.

Lieutenant Colonel Van Wyk mentioned that the individual detained is a 26-year-old national of Zimbabwe.

“The investigation is ongoing, and additional arrests are anticipated,” the police spokesperson indicated.

The suspect is scheduled to appear in court next week.