Kidnapped businessman rescued in Randfontein, 2 suspects killed in shootout with police

The man was kidnapped in Lenasia several weeks ago.

Two suspects have been killed in a shootout with police during a rescue operation by the anti-kidnapping task team in Randfontein, west of Gauteng.

A 60-year-old businessman who was kidnapped in May this year was rescued during the operation on Thursday.

The man was kidnapped in Lenasia, south of Johannesburg, and has been reunited with his family almost two months after the ordeal.

Law enforcement officials said that two other suspects were arrested.

National police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe: “At about three o’clock this afternoon, police were following up on intelligence on the whereabouts of a businessman who was kidnapped on the 29th of May 2025 in Lenasia. Following his kidnapping, the family began receiving a ransom demand of at least R15 million. Police pounced on a house in Randfontein this afternoon, where a shootout ensued. Two suspects were fatally wounded in the house, while three suspects were arrested.”