A Mozambican suspected of masterminding kidnappings for ransom has been arrested by Interpol in South Africa, the country's police said Sunday.

Esmael Malude Ramos Nangy is suspected of orchestrating kidnappings that netted several million dollars over the past two decades.

The man was arrested in a raid late Saturday at "an upmarket estate in Centurion", near the capital Pretoria, South African police said in a statement.

A firearm, cartridges, five mobile phones, as well as several bank cards and SIM cards were seized.  Mozambique is seeking his extradition.

Ramos Nangy is due in court on Monday.

Kidnappings for financial gain have also exploded in recent years in neighbouring South Africa, already infamous for its high crime rate.