Johannesburg – Three police officers were injured during an operation in which police successfully rescued woman who was kidnapped in Polokwane in Limpopo province earlier this week, the Hawks said on Friday.
Hawks spokesman, Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi, said the 36-year-old woman, an Indian national, was kidnapped on Tuesday.
“The woman was about to park her car when she was grabbed by two men who blindfolded her and forced her into the back of their vehicle before driving off with her.”
He said the kidnappers then contacted her family and demanded a ransom.
An arrangement was then made that the money would be exchanged between Polokwane and Lebowakgomo on Thursday night, said Mulaudzi.
“At around 8pm the family, who had the back up from the Hawks and police members, where on their way to the agreed spot when the kidnappers told them to stop and offload the money at Ga-Chuene near Lebowakgomo.”
“The kidnappers arrived at the scene, got out of their vehicle whilst pointing a firearm to the victim. As they advanced to where the loot was put they realised the presence of police and they started shooting, injuring three officers.”
The kidnappers fled into nearby bushes, leaving behind the money and their getaway vehicle, which police suspect was stolen.
The woman was receiving trauma counselling at a hospital.
A search for the kidnappers was underway.
African News Agency
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