A courageous petrol attendant becomes an overnight hero after thwarting the kidnapping of a businessman at a Johannesburg filling station.
As police arrested three suspects, the community rallied to reward the brave employee now in hiding.
Gauteng police confirmed the arrest of three suspects in connection with the attempted kidnapping.
It was captured on the CCTV footage at a BP on Corlett Drive filling station.
The video showed the businessman still inside his luxury car when a double cab bakkie pulled up in front of his car.
Three men got out, one holding an R5 rifle and others shotguns. One man entered the passenger’s seat, and in no time the man was out of the car, with the criminals attempting to force him into the back of the car, but he resisted.
Out of nowhere, the brave employee is seen running towards the men. As he got there, he pushed one criminal, with the businessman dashing away. The employee also ran back towards the fuel pumps.
A reliable source told The Star that the brave employee was in hiding, fearing being targeted after the incident.
Following the publication of the story, some people have come forward to donate and reward the attendant for bravery.
“Police from Gauteng Organised Crime Investigation Unit arrested three suspects after a businessman was kidnapped and later rescued by his employee at a petrol station in Melrose Arch, Johannesburg, on 20 September 2024,” said Gauteng Provincial SAPS spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo.
He said two of the suspects were arrested in Johannesburg Central on September 30, while the third one was arrested on Tuesday in Johannesburg Central.
“During the arrests, police seized two vehicles, an Audi A4 and Toyota Etios, that were used during the commission of crime,” said Masondo.
Two suspects appeared in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, and the matter was postponed to October 9 for a formal bail application.
“Police are still searching for more suspects who were part of the gang during the kidnapping,” Masondo said.
The Star
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