Wanted Mozambican Kidnapping Kingpin Shot Dead in Johannesburg
A wanted Mozambican kidnapping kingpin, Mauro Mucambe Junior, was fatally shot during a shootout with the South African Police Service (SAPS) Anti-Kidnapping Task Team in Fourways, Johannesburg this week.
The operation was part of an ongoing mission to rescue a Pakistani businessman who was recently kidnapped from Pretoria West. Authorities say the businessman is still missing and a ransom demand has been made to his family.
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Breakthrough in Ongoing Operation
According to CrimeWatch_RSA, the anti-kidnapping team initially traced the suspects to a residential complex in Carlswald, Midrand, where they arrested two suspects and seized a Mercedes-Benz and a silver Pajero. The search then led the team to a block of apartments in Fourways, where the shootout took place.
During the confrontation, 40-year-old Mauro Mucambe Junior was shot and killed. He was later identified as a fugitive wanted in Mozambique for several kidnapping cases. The Maputo Police had issued a warrant for his arrest in August 2024.
Weapons and Evidence Seized
Authorities recovered an unlicensed firearm used by the deceased suspect, 10 rounds of ammunition, four cellphones, and four bank cards. SAPS has described him as a fugitive of justice and one of the key figures in cross-border kidnapping-for-ransom operations.
Over 170 Suspects Arrested Since January
SAPS says it has full confidence in the Anti-Kidnapping Task Team, noting the team’s success since January 2024. According to SAPS:
- Over 170 suspects have been arrested,
- More than R1.2 million has been recovered,
- Over 100 victims have been rescued, mainly in Gauteng, and
- More than 40 vehicles used in kidnapping operations have been seized.
The team also recently made progress in the Olorato Mongale murder case, leading the tracing operation that resulted in the arrest of Philangenkosi Makhanya. However, the search continues for Bongani Mthimkhulu, another wanted suspect.