A Pakistani national who was kidnapped by two men who came into his hardware store pretending to be customers was found safe and unharmed in Pietermaritzburg on Tuesday night.

Saqlain Ali was kidnapped just after 15:00 on Tuesday from his hardware shop in the CBD.

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Five men were arrested in connection with the kidnapping after an intensive operation.

Pakistani nationals were yesterday gathering at Witbank Police Station in an attempt to stop the suspects from getting bail.

Muhammed Randeria spoke on behalf of the Pakistani community and thanked the Witbank SAPS, particularly Brigadier Moses Bolton and Colonel One Thobejane, for assisting them.

“We sincerely thank the community, the Zello App co-ordinators, the police, and Witbank News for the immediate response. Without all these entities, we would not have gotten Ali back. The successful rescue operation was a testament to the dedication and perseverance of the authorities involved.”