Kidnappers run out of petrol

2007-09-18 08:50

Johannesburg - Two workers have been robbed and kidnapped while walking to Kaalfontein Station, but they were saved when the kidnappers' car ran out of petrol, Ekurhuleni Metro Police said on Monday.

Inspector Mveli Nhlapo said two workers from the East Rand Water Care Company were walking from work to the station on Monday when a white Mazda Sting drove up to them.

There were three occupants in the car - a 24-year-old man, a 26-year-old man and a 21-year-old woman.

The occupants of the car stopped as if to give the workers a lift, said Nhlapo.

However, when the occupants got out the car they pointed a firearm and knife at the workers, demanding their cellphones and wallets.

They then kidnapped the workers.

"[However] the [alleged] criminals' car ran short of petrol and they were forced to stop the vehicle."

Metro officers patrolling the freeway saw the stationary vehicle and stopped to offer assistance.

Screams

"They were welcomed by the screams of the kidnapped female worker," said Nhlapo.

He added the kidnapped woman explained to police that they had been robbed.

Two of the alleged kidnappers were arrested on the spot. One of them managed to run away because he had gone to get petrol.

The two arrested were taken to the Kempton Park police station. Their vehicle was impounded.

Nhlapo said the accused were due to appear shortly in Kempton Park Magistrate's Court on charges of armed robbery, kidnapping and possession of stolen goods.

Police were still searching for the third kidnapper.

Nhlapo said police would also be checking if those arrested were connected to any other robberies in the area.

- SAPA