Limpopo businessman rescued after kidnapping ordeal

Louis Trichardt-based businessman, Eddie Gouveia [51] who was kidnapped in October 2024 was rescued from a safe house in Nkuzana village, Vuwani in Limpopo on Friday.

Gouveia was kidnapped outside his business premises in Louis Trichardt by five armed suspects on 16 October. A few days later following the kidnapping incident, the suspects demanded over R15 million ransom for his release.

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A multi-disciplinary and intelligence-driven operation was conducted on 24 January 2025 in Johannesburg, resulting in the arrest of one foreign male suspect. During an interview, the suspect then revealed the whereabouts of one of the wanted kingpins who was hiding in De Hoop village, Masia in Mpumalanga province.

The suspect was traced, arrested and detained at Hartebeeskop in Mpumalanga. The duo then led the police to Limpopo where they pointed to a safe house in Nkuzana.

 Gouveia was safely located at the safe house following the harrowing ordeal and is currently receiving medical attention.

LOUIS TRICHARDT BUSINESSMAN HAS BEEN RESCUED FROM KIDNAPPING ORDEAL

So far, 12 suspects have been arrested to date in connection with his kidnapping. They appeared in the Louis Trichardt Magistrates Court from 07-09 January. Their bail hearing was postponed to 03-06 March 2025, while they remain in police custody.

The three suspects who were recently arrested are also expected to appear at Louis Trichardt Magistrates Court on Monday. Police have since launched a massive manhunt for the two remaining suspects.

“We commend the meticulous investigation conducted over 100 days by our multi-disciplinary forces. This resulted in the safe return of the victim in one of the most complex kidnapping cases the province has ever experienced,” said Provincial Commissioner of Police Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe.

“The team will continue to track and trace all the remaining suspects. Syndicates involved in this kidnapping case to face the full might of law. The safety of our communities has reached a critical point,” she added.