A Gauteng family is in shock and anxiously awaiting any news after an 85-year-old former businessman was allegedly kidnapped in Johannesburg’s Botanical Gardens.
The incident reportedly occurred on Friday morning while the man was walking his dogs at the popular park in Emmarentia.
According to SCP Security owner Clive Maher, three men allegedly snatched the man and forced him into what appeared to be a white panel van.
Maher stated that the vehicle’s registration had already been confirmed as cloned.
He added that the man typically walks his dogs at the park around 10 a.m.
“The family is extremely saddened and traumatized at the moment. There are many unanswered questions regarding the motive behind this kidnapping. I’ve been in contact with the family, as they are our clients, and so far, nothing has come to light,” said Maher.
“He hasn’t been working for many years and we don’t think the kidnapping is related to work. We would have thought that by last night there would have been some form of communication or a random call, but there has been nothing.
“What is more concerning is that his cell phone was left behind,” He claimed.
Maher informed TimesLIVE that the family did not want to disclose the man’s identity at this stage. They believe it’s crucial to give the police ample time to investigate the matter.
Maher mentioned that the family, especially the man’s wife, is deeply concerned about his well-being.
Wayne Lurie, deputy chairperson of the Parkview Community Policing Forum (CPF), stated that they were also called to the scene on Friday morning.
He expressed that the incident has deeply shocked and affected the community. Despite experiencing minimal crime recently, this recent event is likely to instill fear among residents, especially the elderly.
“We prefer not to comment on the specifics of the incident as it’s currently under police investigation. Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and the victim himself. We trust that the police will successfully apprehend the suspects,” said Lurie.
“Obviously, we are extremely shocked as a community. Such crimes are very rare in our area. The fact that someone was kidnapped in a well-known park has significantly changed the community’s perception of the area’s safety,” stated Lurie.
Lurie said that the CPF has a victim support unit available to assist the family if necessary.
He added that they are awaiting more details about the victim and the nature of the business he had been involved in.
Gauteng police spokesperson Col Mavela Masondo stated that police could neither confirm nor deny the incident.
“Police do not comment on cases of kidnapping as doing so may jeopardise the safety of the victim,” said Mabaso.