A suspected kidnapper was shot and killed during a gun battle with police near Empangeni on Saturday night after officers staged a sting operation linked to the abduction of a Pakistani businessman in Hluhluwe, KwaZulu-Natal.
The businessman had been kidnapped on the morning of 6 May 2026, with his captors demanding R200 000 for his release.
According to police, the victim was freed the following day after R90 000 was paid. The kidnappers allegedly agreed that the remaining balance would be handed over once the businessman’s safe release had been confirmed.
Police Set Up Ransom Drop-Off On N2 Near Empangeni
Members of the Empangeni Tactical Response Team (TRT) launched an operation to track down the suspects and arranged a controlled drop-off of the outstanding ransom amount.
On Saturday night, a parcel containing the money was placed along the northbound section of the N2.
Three suspects travelling in a bakkie arrived shortly afterwards to collect the package.
Kidnapping Suspect Shot Dead As Two Others Escape
When TRT officers moved in to apprehend the men, a shootout broke out.
One of the suspects was shot and fatally wounded at the scene.
A second suspect fled into nearby bushes and managed to escape under cover of darkness, while the third suspect sped away in the bakkie.
Police later found the abandoned vehicle on the N2 on-ramp in Empangeni.
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Officers recovered a firearm from the deceased suspect. Police said the weapon’s serial number had been filed off.
A manhunt is underway for the two suspects who evaded arrest.
