Mozambican Kidnapping Kingpin Killed in Johannesburg Shootout
Anti-Kidnapping Task Team Makes Significant Arrests in South Africa
A wanted Mozambican kidnapping “kingpin” was fatally shot this week during a police operation in Johannesburg, marking a success for the national anti-kidnapping task team. The incident occurred as authorities pursued a kidnapped Pakistani businessman, highlighting the team’s ongoing efforts to combat ransom-driven abductions.
The Pursuit and Confrontation
The anti-kidnapping task team tracked the suspect, a Mozambican national, to an apartment complex in Fourways, Johannesburg. The team was actively searching for a businessman abducted from Pretoria West. A ransom was demanded from the victim’s family, according to police. The investigation began at a Midrand residence, where a Mercedes-Benz and a silver Pajero were seized, and two suspects were apprehended.
The operation then moved to Fourways, where a shootout erupted after the task team announced their presence. The shooting resulted in the death of one suspect. Upon further investigation, it was revealed that 40-year-old Mauro Mucambe Junior was a wanted kidnapping kingpin in Mozambique, implicated in several kidnappings. A warrant for his arrest had been issued by Maputo police in August 2024.
“The team was tracing a kidnapped Pakistani businessman from Pretoria West. He is still in captivity and the team is still searching for [him]. A ransom demand has been made to the businessman’s family,”
—Brig Athlende Mathe, National police spokesperson
Authorities seized an unlicensed firearm used by the fugitive, along with ten rounds of ammunition. They also confiscated four cellphones and four bank cards. According to the FBI, in 2023, there were 2,089 kidnapping incidents in the United States (FBI).
Ongoing Efforts and Recoveries
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has expressed confidence in the anti-kidnapping task team’s ongoing efforts to rescue the kidnapped businessman. Since January 2024, the team has arrested over 170 criminals involved in kidnappings for ransom. They have also recovered more than R1.2 million and rescued over 100 victims, primarily in Gauteng. Furthermore, the task team has seized over 40 vehicles utilized in kidnapping crimes.
The anti-kidnapping task team recently achieved a breakthrough in the Olorato Mongale murder case, leading the tracing operation for Philangenkosi Makhanya. The search for Bongani Mthimkhulu is ongoing.
