Businessman Ashraf Kader was kidnapped, but has been rescued, and a close relative is thought to be the mastermind behind the abduction.
Image: File
A close relative has been arrested in connection with the kidnapping of Pretoria businessman Ashraf Kader.
Kader, also known as Baboo Kaytex, was kidnapped on Sunday, December 1, while travelling in his Mercedes-Benz.
Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo confirmed that five suspects, including a close relative, were arrested in Mamelodi on Monday, December 2.
"The suspects are expected to appear before the Pretoria Magistrate's Court on Wednesday facing charges that include kidnapping and assault GBH."
He said police could not provide any other information as it may compromise the investigation.
It is alleged that suspects in a Jeep bumped into Kader's vehicle, forcing him to pull over in the Wierdaburg area.
Crime activist Yusuf Ambramjee said it is alleged the suspects emerged from the Jeep and abducted both the driver and passenger of the Mercedes-Benz.
Kader's car was later recovered in the Heuweloord area, while Kader and the other person were rescued in Mamelodi.
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu addressed the spike in kidnappings during the announcement of the second-quarter crime figures for July 1 to September 30, 2024.
Key gains were a 5.8% fall in homicides, a 2.5% decrease in sexual offences, and an 8.8% decline in robberies with aggravating circumstances.
Rape numbers decreased by 3.1%, while residential and non-residential robberies dropped by 1.3% and 21.1%, respectively.
However, kidnapping numbers continue to rise. Assault GBH, and commercial crime increased by 2.2%, 1.0%, and 18.5%, respectively.
In a recent case, five men, including a teenager were jailed for kidnapping and killing Free State farmer Peterson Andrew.
The 65-year-old was murdered at his farm in Summerslie on July 23, 2023.
The convicted killers are Teboho Mothebedi, 22, Jabulane Ngcongwane, 44, Bheki Maphalala,18, Lephosa Motaung, 26, and Siyabonga Khumalo, 22.
In addition to murder, the five accused were found guilty of housebreaking, robbery and abduction.
South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson Captain Loraine Earle said the robbers stole valuable items, including laptops, cameras, a cellphone, and a Toyota Urban Cruiser.
"The victim was then forced into the boot of his vehicle and transported to the Tseseng area in QwaQwa, where he was tragically murdered."
IOL News