TWO kidnap victims are lucky to be alive after they were held captive on the coast recently.
Gerald Pieters (45), of Newlands East near Durban, was kidnapped in Denis Hurley Street two weeks ago and taken to Port Shepstone.
In a report in the Daily News, he claimed that he was held captive in a shack for a number of days.
His kidnappers contacted his family through WhatsApp and demanded R20 000 for his release. They threatened to sell him for ‘muti’ if the family did not meet the ransom demands.
He was then dropped off on the M4 freeway near Blue Lagoon last Monday, despite the family not meeting the demands.
Police spokesman, Captain Thulani Zwane, said a case of kidnapping was being investigated.
In a separate incident, a Port Shepstone man (44) was allegedly kidnapped after leaving a bank in Port Shepstone’s Aiken Street last Thursday morning.
The man had gone to cash a cheque for his employer and was followed by a group, believed to be operating as a syndicate, when he departed from the bank with the money.
Police spokesman, Lieutenant-Colonel Zandra Wiid, said that when he failed to return to his place of employment or answer his cellphone, he was reported missing to the police.
According to the man’s friend, he left the bank and was deliberately distracted by a woman who dropped a bag of cash in front of him.
“At this time, four men suddenly appeared, impersonating detectives, and placed the man and woman under arrest,” he said.
The man was subsequently kidnapped and given a ‘spiked’ beverage to drink. Blood test results are still awaited to ascertain exactly what substance he was given.
Lt-Col Wiid said the missing man was found in a bushy area in Southport by Sergeant Carel Beetge.
She said the man appeared to be under the influence of ‘an unknown substance’.
His cellphone and a large sum of money were stolen. He was later taken to hospital.
“We are grateful that he was found alive,” said a friend. “He is shocked and distraught about the incident.”
He urged people not to fall victim to anyone trying to distract or get their attention when entering or exiting the bank.
A case of kidnapping has been opened, and police are investigating.
Lt-Col Wiid warned people to be extra careful when withdrawing large sums of money from a bank.
“Be on the lookout for anyone who may be following you. It is advisable not to go to the bank alone if you are withdrawing or depositing cash,” she said.
