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A dramatic police operation has ended with the death of a notorious kidnapping kingpin known as “Dollarman” and the safe rescue of a kidnapped businessman in Johannesburg.

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), members of the Anti-Kidnapping Task Team confronted the suspect near the R21 highway in Kempton Park on Wednesday evening, 3 September 2025. During the standoff, Dollarman opened fire on officers and was shot dead.

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Just after midnight on Thursday, 4 September, the kidnapped businessman was found alive in a shack in Alexandra township. He was safely reunited with his family, bringing relief after days of uncertainty.

White Volkswagen riddled with bullet holes after police shootout with kidnapping kingpin Antonio Francisco Macamamo, known as “Dollarman. — The white VW used by kidnapping kingpin “Dollarman” was left riddled with bullet holes after a police shootout near Kempton Park.

Who was “Dollarman”?

Police identified the slain suspect as Antonio Francisco Macamamo, known by the nickname “Dollarman.” Photographs show him wearing dreadlocks and a nose ring, an image that became familiar to law enforcement across borders. He was listed on Mozambique’s SERNIC wanted persons database for multiple kidnapping-for-ransom cases and was also linked to at least five similar crimes in South Africa.

Beyond kidnappings, Macamamo faced allegations of housebreaking, carjacking, and possession of unlicensed firearms. His name had become tied to high-profile abductions targeting wealthy businessmen in the region.

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Crackdown on kidnapping syndicates

The SAPS Anti-Kidnapping Task Team has been credited with dismantling several kidnapping syndicates in recent years. Since July 2021, the unit has arrested more than 337 kidnappers and seized over 146 illegal firearms at crime scenes.

The latest breakthrough comes as part of Operation Shanela, a nationwide clampdown on violent crime. In just the past week, police arrested more than 14,773 suspects for offences including murder, rape, and armed robbery, while 163 illegal firearms were confiscated.

Relief and warning

For the rescued businessman and his family, the police intervention brought an end to a terrifying ordeal. But SAPS has warned that kidnapping-for-ransom syndicates remain active, often operating across borders and targeting wealthy individuals.

While the death of Dollarman marks a major victory, authorities say the fight against organised kidnapping networks is far from over.

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