Police have shot and killed an alleged wanted Mozambican kidnapping kingpin during an Anti-kidnapping Task Team operation in Fourways.
In a statement on Saturday, the South African Police Service (SAPS) said the Anti-kidnapping Task Team traced Mauro Mucambe Junior to a block of apartments in Fourways, Johannesburg this week. This came as the team was tracing a kidnapped Pakistani businessman from Pretoria West who is still in captivity.
“The team [is] still searching for the Pakistani national. A ransom demand has been made to the businessman’s family. The team’s tracing operation began at a residential complex in Carlswald, Midrand where they seized a Mercedes Benz, a silver Pajero and arrested two kidnappers.
“They proceeded to Fourways where the task team announced their arrival and a shootout ensued. One suspect was fatally wounded and upon further investigation, it was discovered that 40-year-old Mauro Mucambe Junior is a wanted kidnapping kingpin in Mozambique where he has been linked to several kidnappings. His warrant of arrest was issued by Maputo Police in August 2024,” said the SAPS.
One unlicensed firearm used by Junior was seized including 10 rounds of ammunition as well as four cellphones and four bank cards.
“The SAPS has full faith and confidence in the work of the Anti-kidnapping Task Team to rescue the kidnapped businessman. Since January 2024 to date, the team has arrested more than 170 criminals involved in kidnappings for ransom.
“More than R1.2 million has been recovered. More than 100 victims [have been] rescued mainly in Gauteng and more than 40 vehicles used in kidnapping crimes were also seized by the team. The team recently registered a breakthrough in the Olorato Mongale murder case where they led the tracing operation of Philangenkosi Makhanya. The search is still on for Bongani Mthimkhulu,” said police. SAnews.gov.za
