Xolile Mtembu|Published
A 35-year-old Bangladeshi man has been kidnapped during a carjacking in Villiers, Free State, with suspected kidnappers allegedly demanding a staggering R3 million ransom for his safe release.
Nadim Hoshen was reportedly sitting in his car when two unidentified men accosted him at the corner of Pearson and Main streets at about 6pm on Tuesday, October 13.
The suspects allegedly drove off with his vehicle, leaving his family desperate for answers as his whereabouts remained unknown.
“It is alleged that the victim, Mr Hoshen, was sitting in his vehicle when two unknown African males accosted him and took his Nissan Qashqai,” said police spokesperson Constable Kelello Patsa.
The vehicle was later found abandoned about 5km from the scene, but Hoshen was nowhere to be found.
The case took a disturbing turn the following day, Wednesday, October 14, when suspected kidnappers allegedly contacted the victim's family and demanded R3 million for his safe release.
Despite the ransom demand, the 35-year-old man had not been found at the time of the police report.
“On Wednesday, suspected kidnappers are said to have contacted the victim's family, demanding a ransom of three million rands for the safe release of the victim.”
The suspects remain unidentified and are believed to have been travelling in either a white Toyota Corolla, Volkswagen Polo Classic or Suzuki Dzire.
Police are appealing to anyone with information about the kidnapping or Hoshen's whereabouts to contact the Free State Serious and Violent Crimes Unit.
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