South African Police Rescue E-hailing Driver After Alleged Rape, Kidnapping
By FRANKLIN FRANCIS FREY
TWO women and three men have been arrested in Cape Town, South Africa, over the alleged kidnapping and rape of a 25-year-old e-hailing driver.
The suspects allegedly abducted the driver after he went to meet one of the women, whom he had met through his e-hailing business.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) disclosed the arrests in a statement posted on its X account on Sunday.
According to the police, the driver met one of the women while working the previous week. They exchanged telephone numbers and stayed in contact before arranging to meet.
However, police said the meeting turned into an alleged kidnapping. The woman and her accomplices allegedly held the driver against his will.
SAPS said two female suspects later allegedly raped the victim while the group kept him captive.
The suspects also allegedly contacted the victim’s brother and demanded R4,000 for his release.
Police eventually traced the driver through a tracker installed in his vehicle. Officers found him at Southampton Road in Heathfield and rescued him.
The two female suspects are aged 23 and 34. The three male suspects are aged 16, 42 and 48.
Police said all five suspects were arrested and were expected to appear before the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court on Monday 14 September.
The investigation will determine the circumstances surrounding the alleged kidnapping, sexual assault and ransom demand.
