Urgent Investigation into Kidnapping of Water and Sanitation Official The Deputy Director of the Department of Water and Sanitation has been the victim of a brazen kidnapping, prompting an urgent investigation by law enforcement authorities. The incident occurred on [date] at [time] in [location]. The victim, [name], was abducted by unknown individuals while traveling home from work. Witnesses reported seeing a group of armed men forcibly removing the official from their vehicle. The authorities immediately launched an extensive search and investigation. Acting on a tip, they swiftly apprehended a suspect, [name], who is believed to have been involved in the kidnapping. The suspect is currently in police custody and is being interrogated. Investigators are still working to ascertain the motive for the crime and determine if any other individuals were involved. The kidnapping has sent shockwaves through the community and raised concerns about the safety of public officials. The Department of Water and Sanitation has condemned the incident and is cooperating fully with the investigation. “This cowardly act is an attack on the rule of law and will not be tolerated,” said the Minister of Water and Sanitation, [name]. “We are committed to ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice.” The investigation is ongoing, and further updates will be provided as they become available. The authorities urge anyone with information about the incident to come forward.Sello Machitje, Deputy Director of Water and Sanitation Department, Kidnapped on MondaySello Machitje, Deputy Director of Water and Sanitation Department, Kidnapped on Monday On Monday, Sello Machitje, the Deputy Director of the Water and Sanitation Department, was reported missing after being kidnapped. According to a family spokesperson, Kgosi Makgorogo, Machitje left his residence at approximately 5:00 PM intending to travel to the Eastern Cape. A receipt found in his van showed that he had pumped petrol in Pretoria at around 5:30 PM. Between 8:00 PM and 9:00 PM, Machitje’s wife tried to call him, but her calls went unanswered. His sister also tried calling him at 10:00 PM, but her calls were unanswered as well. Upon contacting Tracker, a vehicle tracking company, the family was denied access to the location of Machitje’s vehicle as they required a case number. Colonel Noxolo Kweza, a police spokesperson, confirmed that a missing person case had been opened. Police, along with private security, traced Machitje’s vehicle to Alexandra, where a 53-year-old suspect was arrested for possession of a stolen vehicle and hijacking. Police are still searching for Machitje, who never reached his destination in the Eastern Cape.Investigators are urgently investigating the circumstances surrounding the kidnapping of the Deputy Director of the Department of Water and Sanitation, who was found alive in Limpopo on Friday. The Deputy Director was allegedly kidnapped in Mamelodi, Pretoria, on Wednesday, 22 February 2023. A multi-disciplinary team of investigators, including members of the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Hawks, and Crime Intelligence, was immediately assembled to track down the suspects and rescue the victim. Through meticulous investigation and intelligence gathering, the team identified a possible location where the victim was being held captive in the rural areas of Limpopo. On Friday, 24 February 2023, a raid was conducted at the identified location, resulting in the safe rescue of the Deputy Director and the arrest of a suspect. The suspect, a 42-year-old male, is expected to appear in court soon on charges of kidnapping and extortion. The investigation continues to establish the motive behind the kidnapping and to identify any other individuals involved in the crime. The Department of Water and Sanitation has expressed its gratitude to the SAPS and all the investigators involved in the successful rescue operation. The Deputy Director, who is currently receiving medical attention, is said to be in stable condition.