WATCH | Portuguese businessman rescued after kidnapping

JOHANNESBURG - Police have arrested one person in connection with the kidnapping of a Portuguese businessman in Johannesburg. 

At least 12 businessmen and six students have been rescued by police in the past six months. 

In the latest incident, a 49-year-old man was recovered from a home in Snake Park, Soweto, where he was being held captive. 

A 39-year-old suspect believed to be part of a kidnapping syndicate, was arrested in Turfontein, Johannesburg. 

READ: Three Gauteng men nabbed for kidnapping and extortion in CT

Police say 49 kidnappers who'd been demanding ransom payments from families of victims have been arrested in Gauteng, North West and the Free State. 

Twenty-one vehicles used in the commission of these crimes have been confiscated. Eight firearms have also been seized.