Johannesburg, 15 May 2024 – A criminal currently out on bail for vehicle theft and car hijacking was shot dead by the South African Police Service (SAPS) anti-kidnapping task team.
The multidisciplinary team, which included SAPS counter-intelligence teams, visible policing units, detectives, and private security personnel, was tracing suspects linked to the kidnapping of a Benoni businessman, Shamshudeen Faki.
The 68-year-old businessman was kidnapped from his business premises on Saturday, 11 May 2024. Following his abduction, an undisclosed ransom amount worth millions was demanded from his family.
Tragically, it is alleged that Mr. Faki died while in the custody of his kidnappers.
His body was discovered dumped in Dalpark, Johannesburg, by a Community Policing Forum (CPF) patroller, who immediately alerted the police on Monday, 13 May 2024.
Acting on gathered intelligence, the task team tracked the suspect to the N12 on Tuesday evening, where a shootout ensued.
The suspect, who was found in possession of Mr. Faki’s identity documents, a blue light, licensed number plates used in the kidnapping, and two firearms (a pistol and a revolver), was fatally shot during the confrontation.
Further investigations revealed that the deceased suspect was linked to at least 29 vehicle theft and car hijacking cases and had been circulated as a wanted criminal.
The SAPS is continuing its search for the suspect’s accomplices involved in the kidnapping and subsequent death of Mr. Faki.
This incident highlights the ongoing issue of kidnapping for ransom in South Africa, with over 250 suspects arrested in connection with such crimes over the past two years.
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