Two apparent kidnappers' luck ran out after the victim turned his gun on them, killing one of them.
This is one of many incidents police visited in the Athlone and Manenberg Precinct in the past week.
At the latest scene, a 44-year-old man had been completing a business transaction in Thornton Road and had been returning to his vehicle when he was approached by two armed men who had intended on kidnapping him on Wednesday.
Manenberg Police spokesperson Captain Ian Bennett said the quick-thinking man, who was armed, pulled out his firearm and shot the 30-year-old alleged kidnapper who died at the scene.
His accomplice managed to flee.
“They threatened him with a firearm and told him to go with them,” explained Bennett.
“As they held him at gunpoint he pulled his own firearm and fired several shots, fatally wounding his assailant at point-blank range.
“The second suspect fled the scene, leaving his fatally wounded accomplice dead in the road.
“A .38 special Rossi revolver was recovered on the scene with its serial number intact and the owner residing in the Elsies River policing precinct.
“An attempted kidnapping and an inquest case has been opened for investigation.
Bennett said police also carried out a crime operation by searching for all outstanding persons who had warrants for their arrests.
This was actioned by Station Commander Sanele Zama.
A total of 16 males between the ages of 18 and 59 were arrested in the Manenberg precinct and four females aged between 20 and 33 were also captured a week ago, among them including a known high-flyer. “The integrated Manenberg crime prevention team, which included Law Enforcement, was tasked to arrest all outstanding wanted persons.
“Brigadier Sanele Zama briefed his members in the morning and then deployed the Crime Prevention Team.
The Crime Prevention Team was briefed to have specific focus on stop and search, disruptive operation and arrest of outstanding wanted persons.
“The wanted persons were arrested for various crimes ranging from theft, assault, possession of ammunition and drugs, including the 31-year-old male, who is a high-flyer for gang-related attempted murder.”
Zama sent out a strong warning to criminals: “We commend our team of crime fighters for their perseverance and dedication in combating crime under the harshest condition, ensuring the safety of the Manenberg community.”
Anyone with information regarding any criminal activity within the policing precinct can contact Manenberg 021 699 9400 or Crime Stop, 08600 10111.