Suspect nabbed for kidnapping and illegal firearm in Benoni

A 34-year-old man has been arrested on charges of kidnapping, possession of an unlicensed firearm, and reckless and negligent driving after a high-speed chase through Benoni ended in a crash and the rescue of an alleged kidnapping victim.

The arrest was made by officers from the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) Intervention Unit during a routine patrol in the area.

According to EMPD, officers became suspicious after spotting a white Mercedes-Benz sedan emerging from an open field along New Modder Road with five men inside. When they attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver initially appeared to comply before suddenly accelerating away, prompting a pursuit.

During the chase, the driver allegedly ignored traffic lights and stop signs and drove against oncoming traffic on one-way streets, endangering motorists and pedestrians.

The pursuit came to an end at the intersection of Woburn Avenue and Swan Street when the driver lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a drainage structure. Three occupants fled on foot, while the driver and another passenger were apprehended at the scene.

Police later established that one of the vehicle's occupants was allegedly a kidnapping victim. The man told officers he had been abducted at gunpoint from his home, assaulted, and forced into the vehicle.

A search of the Mercedes-Benz uncovered a black 9mm firearm with its serial number removed, hidden beneath the driver's seat. Officers also recovered nine bank cards belonging to various financial institutions.

The victim received medical treatment at the scene before being transported to a nearby hospital for further care.

The suspect remains in custody at Benoni Police Station and is expected to appear in court soon. Investigations are continuing to locate the three outstanding suspects and determine the full circumstances surrounding the alleged kidnapping.