EXACTLY 14 days after a harrowing kidnapping that went viral on social media, a Cape Town business owner has been reunited with his family.
Akter Pradhan, owner of Cheaper Chips Cash and Carry, was snatched in Mitchells Plain on August 26.
In the video that circulated on social media, the 37 year old was seen forced into the back of a car by three unknown men before they sped off. And days later, more cellphone footage emerged showing a badly beaten Pradhan, pleading for his life.
“If you want to save me, you can save me,” Pradhan said.
“Send money,” he added. “Don’t talk anything and don’t talk to the police ... Just talk to the boss.”
One of the kidnappers can then be heard saying: “R20 million, I want R20 million!”
A family member, who wanted to remain anonymous, confirmed to Weekend Argus that Pradhan was home safe.
Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg said the circumstances surrounding his release remained the subject of an ongoing police investigation.
Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis told Weekend Argus he welcomed Pradhan’s safe return but warned of the increase in kidnappings in the metro.
“We’re thrilled that he has been safely freed,” Hill-Lewis said, adding that he “can just imagine the utter relief his family must be feeling”.
“We are all concerned about the rising trend of this type of crime.
“We’ve proposed that the SAPS form a dedicated kidnapping task team in the province to crack the organised crime rings who are doing this.”
Civil society organisation Women and Children at Concern (WCC) recently said it was perturbed about the fact that the kidnapping of foreign business owners was becoming a trend.
“So far, there have been four kidnappings in Mitchells Plain alone in just one month. The community is scared because they don’t know when they might be taken next, and how much these guys will ransom their lives for,” said WCC secretary Hafiz Mohammed.
On Friday Khalid Parker, 40, the son of Serjaaj, who is the owner of Primrose Cafe in Lansdowne, was shot in the head following an alleged kidnapping after 10am. He was confronted by three men who fled.
Last month, 5-year-old Shanawaaz Asghar was kidnapped near his Kengsinton home while walking to school with his mother.
Anti-crime activist Yusuf Abramjee also noted that the number of kidnappings had increased in recent months.
“Insurance cover can be helpful but it must be done confidentially. Those who are vulnerable need to consider it,” said Abramjee.
Bonteheuwel ward councillor Angus Mckenzie said: “The spate of kidnapping across the city has become extremely worrying. Thankfully we are seeing a number of these kidnapping cases (ending with victims returning home), whether it’s through ransom being paid or (police action).”
Weekend Argus.