Businessman bargains his way out of kidnapping

ANESH Chowtee is alive because one of his kidnappers grew a “conscience”.

His ordeal started last Friday evening after he posted a message on WhatsApp asking for information on irrigation pipes that had been stolen from his farm in Reservoir Hills. Chowtee, 53, a father of one, sells the produce he grows on his farm.

Shortly after posting the message, a former employee called him to say he had information about the pipes.

“I drove to my business premises in my Toyota Hilux van to meet him. He jumped into the front passenger seat and two other men jumped into the back seat. I then realised they were all armed. One of the men put a gun to my head and demanded money.”

Chowtee said he gave them R12000 in cash he had on him. However, it was not enough for the men and they instructed him to drive to his home.

“I made an excuse that there were too many people at my house. I knew they were after more money so I told them we should go to an ATM where I could withdraw more money. They agreed.”

Chowtee drove to a garage on Richmond Road where the men used his card to withdraw R5 000 from an ATM.

“I drove because none of the kidnappers knew how to. After they withdrew the money, they ordered me to drive for what seemed like a long time. It was also raining. We got to an area called KwaDindi near Taylors Halt in Pietermaritzburg and I was asked to take a dirt road. We got to a house and when we jumped out a fourth man was there.”

Chowtee said he was taken to a room and given a box to sit on.

“The kidnappers made me call my wife and they demanded she pay them R1million for my safe return. When I told them we did not have that amount of money, they reduced it to R750 000.”

The next morning Chowtee, who is insulin-dependent, told the men he needed his medication. “I said if I did not take my insulin and other medication for diabetes, I would collapse and they would not get their money. Three of them left with my ATM card. They said they would take a taxi to the nearest town and buy medication.”

A fourth person was left to guard Chowtee.

“I believe this suspect felt guilty. He began apologising and told me he was not involved. I realised this was my only opportunity to escape.

“I told him that if he helped me escape, I would give him R50000. He told me the other men would kill him if he helped me. He then asked for R70 000. I agreed. He then left the house to borrow money from someone who lived nearby so we could take a taxi to safety.”

When the man returned, they left the house. “We walked for about 4 to 5km. We crossed a river and walked up what looked like a mountain to the main road. I managed to flag down a bakkie. I told the driver what happened and that I needed to go to the nearest police station. The driver agreed to help. I sat in the front passenger seat and the kidnapper sat at the back of the van. I just felt a sense of relief.”

Chowtee said he was dropped off at the Taylors Halt police station where he reported the incident to the police.

“They helped reunite me with my family, who had already reported me missing. They had also sought help from the police to negotiate with my kidnappers.

“I am just happy to be alive. It saddens me that one of my former employees was behind this. I cared for him and helped him a lot. I knew I would be able to escape because these kidnappers were not professionals. It was just quick thinking that helped me. All they wanted was money.”

Lieutenant-Colonel Nqobile Gwala, a provincial police spokesperson, said a task team was activated by the Westville station commander to search for the victim and the suspects.

“Police were later informed that the victim managed to escape and found his way to the Taylors Halt SAPS. Information was followed up after it was found that the victim was held at a house at KwaDindi in Taylors Halt. Two suspects, aged 27 and 32, were placed under arrest after they were found in possession of two firearms and ammunition.”

Gwala said they were charged with kidnapping, extortion, unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition. The suspects are expected to appear in the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court.

Natasha Kara, the spokesperson for the NPA in KwaZulu-Natal, said Hagge Yasse, 32, appeared in court. The matter was adjourned to March 15.