Verulam, KwaZulu-Natal: A 34-year-old resident from Verulam, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), was kidnapped and held hostage for several hours. The incident occurred on Friday. The kidnapping took place at an unknown location in Ntuzuma, KZN. The motive behind the kidnapping is currently unknown.
The victim’s family contacted Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) to assist in locating the white Tata Vista with registration NUR 45814.
The complainant informed Reaction Officers that on the day of the incident, he was travelling down Neptune Drive in Mount Vernon – KZN at approximately 1:00 afternoon. A white VW Polo suddenly stopped in front of him, and a silver VW Polo boxed him in from the rear.
Two men approached his vehicle and produced firearms. One of the suspects got into the rear seat and instructed him to follow the car in front of him, or he would be shot. The victim complied and drove to an unknown property in Ntuzuma – KZN.
He was led into a wood & iron structure in the yard, where three suspects began assaulting him. The victim fought back but was smothered with a pillow, which resulted in him losing consciousness. When he regained consciousness, the men demanded the password to his cellphone and banking application. They advised him that they needed R5000 for his release.
The suspects continued assaulting him. His cry for assistance drew the attention of other individuals renting on the property. They banged on the door, demanding answers as to what was going on. The suspects opened the door and fled. Residents flagged down a passing SAPS vehicle and advised the Policemen of the incident.
They transported the victim to a medical facility. The suspects made off with the man’s vehicle, cell phone and wallet. A case of hijacking and kidnapping was registered at the Verulam SAPS.
“If anyone has information regarding the location of the Tata Vista, kindly contact Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA),” said the Officer.