Notorious Mozambican kidnapping kingpin killed in a shootout with Gauteng police

Gauteng police shot dead Mauro Mucambe Junior, a notorious kidnapping kingpin from Mozambique, wanted for his alleged involvement in a series of high-profile kidnappings.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has shot dead 40-year-old Mauro Mucambe Junior, a notorious kidnapping kingpin from Mozambique, wanted for his alleged involvement in a series of high-profile kidnappings.
The incident took place on Saturday, June 21, 2025, in Fourways, Johannesburg, as the police continued their desperate search for a kidnapped Pakistani businessman.
National police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, provided insights into the operation, revealing that Mucambe was tracked down following an extensive manhunt initiated by the Maputo Police in August 2024.
Mathe said the team began their operation at a residential complex in Carlswald, Midrand, where they seized a Mercedes Benz, a silver Pajero, and arrested two kidnappers.
"They proceeded to Fourways where the task team announced their arrival and a shoot-out ensued. One suspect was fatally wounded and upon further investigation, it was discovered that 40-year-old Mauro Mucambe Junior is a wanted kidnapping kingpin in Mozambique where he has been linked to several kidnappings," she said.

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