Sonam Gajjar (34) was kidnapped today, March 13, in front of her home in Kariega.
- Sonam Gajjar, the wife of a prominent Kariega business owner, was kidnapped outside her home by four men who forcibly grabbed her and forced her into a white Hyundai getaway car.
- Witnesses observed the incident and tried to track down the kidnappers, who eventually made their way to Motherwell. The motive for the kidnapping remains unclear.
- Concerned families and law enforcement officials, including Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner Maj. Gen. Buisile Nkata, have expressed deep concern over the resurgence of kidnappings targeting business owners in the area, and warned of alarm and suspicious activity. encouraged to report.
Sonam Gajjar (34), wife of a prominent Kariega business owner, was kidnapped outside her home in Kariega today, March 13.
Police spokesperson Colonel Naidu said the kidnapping occurred at around 7:50 a.m., when Gajjar had stepped out of his driveway and was waiting for the gate to close.
“A car was parked and waiting for her.
“Four men jumped out of the car, smashed the window, grabbed her and forced her into a white Hyundai getaway car,” Naidu said.
Naidu added that an eyewitness witnessed the incident and followed the vehicle carrying Gajjar.
She said when witnesses realized they had been spotted by the alleged kidnappers, they turned back to Kariega and noticed a Hyundai car driving in the direction of Motherwell.
Naidu added, “The motive is unknown and a case has been filed as a kidnapping case.”
While at the crime scene, concerned family members expressed to PE Express their concerns for their abducted relatives.
They said the kidnapping was a surprise because “nothing strange had happened” before today's incident.
The family has called on other business owners to be careful as the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro business owner is being kidnapped again.
“We are aware of past kidnapping incidents in the Eastern Cape region,” the family said.
“Don't show off your money or show how well you're doing.
“Criminals are always five steps ahead of you. Be cautious and try to act as discreetly as possible.”
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The family finally expressed their concern for the mother of two and begged for her safe return.
Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner Major General Buisile Nkata also expressed deep concern over the repeated kidnappings of business owners.
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“Police are concerned and take this kidnapping very seriously,” Mr Nkata said.
Mr Nkata noted that several recent kidnapping incidents in the NMB targeted businessmen.
“We have systems in place that will lead to the arrest of suspects,” Nkata added.
As there are criminal acts targeting business owners, Ncata is urging business owners to “report any suspicious activity.”
“We cannot afford to put executives through this experience,” he concluded.