Kidnappers demand R27m for businessman

The kidnapping drama which unfolded last Friday in front of a Gqeberha fish and chips outlet has kicked into high gear after a ransom demand of $1.4 million (about R27 million) has been put on the table for the release of Bay businessman Neal Ah-Tow.

Hawks spokesperson Captain Yolisa Mgolodela confirmed yesterday that the massive ransom demand was made at 5pm yesterday during negotiations with the abductors.

According to the priority crime investigations unit spokesperson, the currency implied that the suspects could possibly be foreign nationals.

The 58-year-old businessman was kidnapped by five armed men at about 7.15am last Friday just as he was about to open his store, Neal’s Fish and Chips, in Crichton Street, Sidwell.

It is understood the suspects forced him into a silver Chevrolet Cruz at gunpoint before speeding off.

Mgolodela said when the ransom demand was made, Ah-Tow was able to request the name of his high-blood pressure medication from his daughter.

The details of his family, from whom the ransom money is allegedly been demanded, has not been released.

South African Police Service (Saps) spokesperson Colonel Priscilla Naidu said a case of kidnapping was still under investigation but on Monday, police still had no knowledge of Ah-Tow’s whereabouts.

The investigating officer, Detective Warrant Officer Errol Kleinhans, can be reached on 083-243-4567.

On 3 October last year, a Sidwell scrapyard business owner was also kidnapped and his son shot dead in Hart Road.

HeraldLive reported that the incident occurred in broad daylight when about six men in a white Toyota Corolla arrived at Inder’s Scrap Metal.

They fired several shots before shoving the scrapyard owner into their car.

At the time, Naidu said the motive behind the attack remained unclear and that the Hawks had since taken over the case.

According to the publication, rumours about possible extortion have surfaced.

The kidnapping took place in the wake of several high-profile abduction and ransom cases in the Eastern Cape last year.