Alleged Pakistani Kidnapping Mastermind Arrested, Ten Foreign Nationals Rescued

A 39-year-old Pakistani man alleged to be the mastermind behind the kidnapping of ten foreign nationals in Polokwane in January 2022 has been remanded in custody.

Dilpazeer Azam was handcuffed in Centurion on Sunday during an intelligence-led operation by members of National Crime Intelligence and other law enforcement agencies. 

It is believed that the foreign nationals were travelling along the N1 from Musina when they were kidnapped and transported to Polokwane where they were allegedly handed to Azam near the Peter Mokaba Stadium.

Police say the investigating team operationalized intelligence information which led them to a lodge in Bruma, Johannesburg where the ten victims were rescued unharmed. 

Azam is expected to be back in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on 17 February 2022 for a formal bail application. 

Police say investigations are continuing and more arrests are imminent.