Notorious Mozambican Kidnapping Kingpin Killed in Shootout with South African Police
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has fatally shot Mauro Mucambe Junior, a 40-year-old infamous kidnapping kingpin from Mozambique, who was sought for his alleged role in multiple high-profile abductions.
This event occurred on Saturday, June 21, 2025, in Fourways, Johannesburg, amid an ongoing search for a kidnapped Pakistani businessman.
Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, the national police spokesperson, shared details about the operation, indicating that Mucambe was located after a comprehensive manhunt that began in August 2024, initiated by the Maputo Police.
Mathe explained that the operation commenced at a residential complex in Carlswald, Midrand, where officers confiscated a Mercedes Benz and a silver Pajero, resulting in the arrest of two individuals involved in the kidnapping.
“They moved on to Fourways, where the task team announced their presence, leading to an exchange of gunfire. One suspect was killed, and further investigation revealed that 40-year-old Mauro Mucambe Junior was a wanted figure in Mozambique, linked to several abductions,” she stated.
During the operation, police also seized an unlicensed firearm and ten rounds of ammunition connected to Mucambe. Additional confiscated items included four cell phones and four bank cards, which are expected to be significant in ongoing investigations.
Despite this development, the family of the abducted Pakistani businessman remains in despair, as he is still unaccounted for. Brigadier Mathe revealed that a ransom demand had been communicated to the victim’s family.
“SAPS has complete confidence in the anti-kidnapping task team’s ability to secure the safe return of the kidnapped businessman,” she affirmed.
Mathe further noted that since January 2024, the task team has achieved considerable success in combating organized kidnapping syndicates, having arrested over 170 suspects associated with these crimes and recovering more than R1.2 million.
She mentioned that the team has also successfully rescued over 100 victims from criminal captivity, primarily in Gauteng, and has confiscated more than 40 vehicles believed to have been utilized in kidnappings.
