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- Sonam Gajjar, the wife of a prominent Kariega business owner, was kidnapped outside her home by four men who forcibly grabbed her and shoved her into their white Hyundai getaway vehicle.
- A witness observed the incident and attempted to follow the kidnappers, who eventually headed towards Motherwell. The motive for the kidnapping remains unknown.
- Concerned family members and law enforcement officials, including Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner Major Gen Vuyisile Ncata, expressed deep concern over the recurrence of kidnappings targeting business owners in the area, urging vigilance and reporting of suspicious activity.
A prominent Kariega businessowner's wife, Sonam Gajjar (34) was kidnapped today, March 13 outside her home in Kariega.
According to police spokesperson, Colonel Naidu, the kidnapping happened at approximately 07:50 when Gajjar was exiting her driveway and waiting for her gate to close.
"There was a vehicle parked and waiting for her.
"The four men jumped out of the vehicle, broke her window, grabbed her and shoved her into their white Hyundai getaway vehicle," said Naidu.
Naidu added that a witness saw the incident and proceeded to follow the vehicle with Gajjar inside.
She said once the witness realised they were spotted by the alleged kidnappers, they then turned back to Kariega and noticed the Hyundai vehicle was driving towards the direction of Motherwell.
Naidu further added that, " the motive is unknown, and a case of kidnapping has been opened."
While at the crime scene a concerned family member spoke to PE Express, expressing worry for their kidnapped relative.
They said that the kidnapping comes as a surprise, "as there was nothing strange," before today's incident.
Due to the reoccurrence of businessowner kidnappings in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro, the family member urged other businessowners to be careful.
" We are aware of the previous kidnappings in the broader Eastern Cape," the family member said.
"Do not flash money, do not show how well you are doing.
"Criminals are always five steps ahead of you, be careful and try to play as lowkey as possible."
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The family member concluded with a plea for her safe return, expressing concern for the mother of two.
Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner, Major Gen Vuyisile Ncata also expressed his deep concern for the reoccurring businessowner kidnappings.
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"We are worried as the police, and we are taking this kidnapping very seriously," said Ncata.
Ncata pointed out that several recent kidnappings in NMB have targeted businesspeople.
"We are putting in systems that will lead to an arrest of the suspects," Ncata added.
Due to the criminal activity targeting business owners, Ncata urges business owners to "report any suspicious behavior."
"We cannot afford to put our business owners through these experiences," he concluded.
