Police are intensifying the search for four armed suspects following the kidnapping and ransom demand of a 51-year-old businessman in the Nebo area of Limpopo.

Polokwane Review reports that the Pakistani national was safely recovered in the North West early this morning.

Kidnap and ransom demand

The victim was kidnapped at gunpoint on Wednesday while entering his hardware store with his brother. The suspects fled in a Toyota Corolla fitted with blue lights.

On Friday, the kidnappers contacted the victim’s wife, demanding a R10m ransom and sending a video of him in captivity.

Multi-disciplinary operation

A multi-disciplinary operation involving provincial and national crime units was launched. Through investigative efforts, including cellphone profiling, police traced signals to the Eastern Cape, though this led to a separate fraud complaint.

Victim recovered

Limpopo police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba said that due to sustained police pressure, the victim was released early today and dropped off near Brits in the North West.

He sustained minor injuries to his hands and feet, received medical attention, and was later reunited with his family in Limpopo.

Acting provincial police commissioner Major General Jan Scheepers commended the co-ordinated efforts that led to the safe recovery.

“This was a complex and serious crime… We will not rest until those responsible are traced and arrested,” he said.

A case of kidnapping and extortion is under investigation.

Appeal for information

Anyone with information is urged to contact Colonel Saliem Wahab on 082 319 9291 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

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