On Tuesday, April 8, SAPS spokesperson, Captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg confirmed two separate kidnapping incidents in Gqeberha.
One of the kidnapping victims, a 21-year-old male, returned home to his family after being assaulted. Janse Van Rensburg clarified that, “this was not a kidnapping for ransom. Police investigations into the circumstances of both incidents are ongoing,” she said.
The PE Express reported that the victim was kidnapped in Sydenham. According to Captain Janse van Rensburg, “SAPS Mount Road opened a case of kidnapping and assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm after attending a complaint in Ambrose Street, Sydenham.”
Earlier in the day, a Chinese national was reportedly kidnapped while driving on the M17. Shots were fired, forcing the man to stop, after which the kidnappers loaded him into a white Toyota Quantum minibus. Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding this incident.
Warrant Officer, Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), confirmed that a ransom demand was made for the second victim, and that the case is being investigated by the Hawks.
Janse van Rensburg explained that at approximately 12:45, police were called to the scene of a reported kidnapping of a 21-year-old man. While authorities were gathering information from the victim’s family, the young man returned home with visible injuries to his face.
“These incidents, happening in such close succession, highlight the urgent need for vigilance and collaborative efforts between communities and law enforcement,” said Captain Janse van Rensburg.
The police have urged anyone with more information about either case to come forward to aid the investigation.
