In a high-stakes operation on 4 September 2025, the South African Police Service anti-kidnapping task team took down António Francisco “Dollarman” Macamamo, a notorious Mozambican kidnapping kingpin, in a dramatic Kempton Park shootout. The mission rescued an Indian businessman kidnapped on 23 July 2025 from his Benoni premises, spotlighting efforts to curb organised crime in Gauteng’s crime hotspots.
A Coordinated Rescue Operation
Using precise intelligence, police located the kidnapped businessman, Mohammed Seedat, in Alexandra on 4 September 2025 morning. The operation escalated into a tense shootout near the R21 freeway the previous evening, where Dollarman was fatally wounded after allegedly firing on officers and a police helicopter. Seedat was rescued unharmed, thanks to seamless collaboration with private security. Authorities traced ransom payments to accounts linked to Dollarman, aiding the operation.
The chase and gun battle unfolded dramatically, with Dollarman and his accomplices attempting to evade capture along the highway. This high-profile takedown underscores the critical role of specialised units in addressing violent crime.
Dollarman’s Criminal Legacy
António Francisco Macamamo, alias Dollarman, earned his nickname by demanding ransoms in US dollars. Listed on Mozambique’s SERNIC database, he was linked to at least five kidnapping-for-ransom cases in South Africa, alongside charges of housebreaking, carjacking, and illegal firearms possession. His operations targeted vulnerable business owners in urban centres like Benoni and Kempton Park, making him a high-priority target for regional law enforcement.
As one of Mozambique’s most wanted criminals, Dollarman’s syndicate was responsible for a wave of abductions that terrorised communities across borders, often involving sophisticated planning and violent enforcement.
SAPS’s Relentless Crackdown
The anti-kidnapping task team has been pivotal in curbing organised crime. Since July 2021, the unit has arrested over 337 suspects and seized more than 146 illegal firearms linked to kidnapping syndicates. During a single week of Operation Shanela, authorities apprehended over 14,700 suspects nationwide for various offences and confiscated 163 illegal firearms, reflecting a broader commitment to public safety.
These efforts signal a strategic shift towards proactive policing, with increased resources allocated to high-risk areas like Gauteng to disrupt criminal networks before they strike.
Community Safety and Future Challenges
The takedown of Dollarman is a significant milestone, but kidnapping remains a persistent threat in Gauteng. Community leaders stress the need for stronger cross-border collaboration with countries like Mozambique to disrupt criminal networks. Enhanced community policing and addressing socio-economic drivers, such as poverty and unemployment, are critical to reducing crime rates. Residents of Kempton Park and Benoni remain cautious, urging authorities to sustain momentum.
Looking Ahead: A Safer South Africa?
Dollarman’s elimination sends a strong message to criminal syndicates, but the fight continues. Experts advocate leveraging advanced intelligence and technology to counter evolving criminal tactics. Community engagement initiatives, like neighbourhood watch programs, could bolster local safety. The broader context reveals a surge in kidnapping-for-ransom cases tied to international syndicates, prompting calls for public vigilance to aid preventive measures.