Seven individuals have been apprehended in Johannesburg in connection with a kidnapping case involving an 18-year-old student from the University of the Witwatersrand. This unsettling incident is believed to have originated through the use of the Grindr dating app, shedding light on concerns within the LGBTQI+ community.
The ordeal began when the student was reported missing by his roommate, setting off a rapid police response to uncover the truth behind his disappearance. Authorities swiftly apprehended a man at an ATM on the M2 highway, allegedly attempting to withdraw a substantial ransom of R30,000.
In a commendable display of police work, they carefully observed the situation and promptly detained the suspect upon his arrival. Following his apprehension, the suspect provided valuable information that led investigators to the Denver men’s hostel, where they discovered the 18-year-old victim in a state of captivity, bound and unconscious.
This distressing incident has sent shockwaves throughout the LGBTQI+ community in Gauteng, as it has been revealed that the seven suspects could be linked to a staggering 86 other cases involving individuals from the same community.
All seven suspects now face charges of kidnapping and extortion, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of marginalized communities in South Africa.