Abduction victim identified as Middelburg businessman
The man who was abducted and later found dead in the boot of a vehicle has been identified as a well-known local businessman from Middelburg.
The Middelburg businessman who was abducted outside his Eastdene home on Wednesday evening and later found dead on a farm along the N11 Hendrina road has been identified as Nasir Mahmood.
Mahmood was a well-known figure in the local business community and owned Welcome Cash and Carry in the Central Business Area, as well as Welcome Foods next to OK Foods in Mineralia.
As previously reported, video footage handed to police allegedly shows Mahmood being ambushed by several armed men shortly after arriving home from the mosque. He was reportedly forced into the boot of a silver Audi before the suspects fled the scene.
His body was later discovered inside the vehicle after it was abandoned on a farm outside Middelburg on the N11, on the Hendrina road.
Abdul Kasu said this morning he had known Mahmood for about 10 years.
“We did business together when Isiswe Mills was up and running. After their closure, we had no dealings except when we met at mosques or when I frequented his stores. He lived down the road from me,” Kasu said.
“He was well-mannered and friendly. A well-dressed family man who was always smiling. A real gentleman.”
An enquiry was sent to the provincial police media office last night. Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo said he would provide further information once the details had been relayed to him.
• One suspect was arrested shortly after the Audi was found on the farm, following a large-scale search involving police, security companies and community response teams.
