Kidnappers settle on discounted ransom

A CHINESE businessman was allegedly kidnapped and a ransom of R1-million was sought. But after settling for R100 000, his captors let him go.

He had barely been released when police nabbed three suspects in Kraaifontein.

Police spokesman Sergeant Noloyiso Rwexana said the man was snatched on Saturday in Monte Vista.

“The alleged kidnappers settled for R100 000 after negotiations with the family,” he said.

“Shortly after his release [after the ransom money was paid]‚ police pounced on the suspects, aged 31‚ 33 and 40, in Bloekombos‚ Kraaifontein.

“Some of the ransom money was recovered and a vehicle used in the incident seized.”

Two months ago, wealthy Cape Town businessman Sadeck Zhaun Ahmed was kidnapped outside his business premises in Woodstock.

Police said the 71-year-old was abducted from his vehicle and forced into a bakkie by three gunmen.

Last year‚ another prominent businessman‚ Naushad Khan‚ was kidnapped in front of his business in Athlone.

Both of their captors allegedly demanded a ransom.

While Khan returned home‚ Ahmed’s whereabouts are still unknown.

Community crime fighter Hanif Loonat said he knew of two Chinese nationals who had been kidnapped and found at the weekend.

“I am afraid this is going to become a tendency in this country, where prominent people are kidnapped to enrich a group of people – mostly operating in the underworld‚” he said.

Rwexana said they had no record of two Chinese being kidnapped.