Seven Grindr Kidnappers Arrested After Demanding R30k For University Student
Seven suspected Grindr kidnappers have been arrested after a Wits University student went missing and the culprits demanded a R30,000 ransom.
The 18-year-old is recovering in hospital and was taken on Tuesday and was reported missing soon after.
He was traced to the Denver Men’s Hostel on Wednesday, where he was found bound and unconscious.
“The student was reported missing the same day by his roommate. It is reported that he was lured to the suspects through a dating site called Grindr.
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“The suspects demanded R30,000 from his family for his safe return,” said Gauteng police spokesperson Brig Brenda Muridili.
A multi-disciplinary law enforcement team descended on an ATM where one of the suspects was expected to withdraw the ransom money on the M2 Road.
“The police held an observation and then placed the suspect under arrest as soon as he arrived. He then led the team to Denver Men’s Hostel.”
Seven suspects were arrested. Three knives were confiscated and the student’s personal items were recovered.
The victim was rushed to hospital for medical attention.
“The team is investigating the possibility of linking these suspects to cases in Gauteng with the same modus operandi. All seven will be charged with kidnapping and extortion and they will be appearing before court soon”.
