A family of four was kidnapped while en route to visit their father at Helderstroom Prison in Caledon, where he works as a prison warden, Cape {town} Etc reports.
On 24 August, the family left Kuils River in a vehicle. According to Warrant Officer Zinzi Hani , spokesperson for the Hawks, their vehicle was later found abandoned in Endlovini, Khayelitsha.
They were reportedly kidnapped and held for a R400 000 ransom. The family's brother was instructed not to contact the police and to pay the kidnappers R100 000 per person.
On 25 August, a multi-disciplinary anti-kidnapping task team consisting of the Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation, Provincial Organised Crime, Hostage Negotiation Team and Crime Intelligence rescued the family near Philippi East around 4:30am.
'A police vehicle from Philippi East saw the hostages and gave them a lift to Kuils River police station,' Hani added.
