The brazen kidnapping of the wife of a prominent businessman in Kariega on Wednesday has prompted fears that the worrying scourge of business owners kidnapped for ransom in Nelson Mandela Bay is out of control.
At around 07:50, Sonam Gajjar became the fourth person to be kidnapped in the Metro since the beginning of the year.
The 34-year-old mother of two exited her driveway on Mosel Road in Kariega.
She was accosted by four males while waiting for the gate to close behind her.
Police spokesperson, Colonel Priscilla Naidu said the window on her driver's side was smashed.
"She was dragged out of her car and shoved into a waiting white Hyundai vehicle.
"The vehicle sped off in the direction of Motherwell."
Gajjar handles the administrative duties at the family's wholesale grocery business in Kariega.
Her brother-in-law, Nirmal said her husband, Rikesh, and the entire family were still in shock, panicked and worried sick.
"We are trying to get leads and inform as many people as we possibly can.
"We are scared, but we keep praying for her safe return," he said.
According to Nirmal, the family did not notice anything untoward before the kidnapping.
He said they were aware of the kidnapping for ransom phenomenon that has reared its head in the "broader Eastern Cape."
Nelson Mandela Bay District Commander, Major General Vuyisile Nqata said they were very concerned, as more business owners were becoming targets.
Gajjar is the first person who was kidnapped at her home, prompting fears that kidnappers were changing their modus operandi.
"The police are visible and we conduct regular patrols at business premises, but this one was a bit different.
"Now they are being targeted while they are coming out of their homes," said Ncata.
He emphasized that the investigation was ongoing and that police will work around the clock to ensure Gajjar's safe return.
On the 1st of March, Gqeberha businessman Neal Ah Tow was kidnapped outside his business premises, Neal's Fish and Chips, in Sidwell.
Four days later a ransom demand of $1.4 million was made, prompting police to investigate the possibility that the kidnappers could be foreign nationals.
In January, businessman Zahir Bayit was taken by a group of men at around 5 pm in front of his hardware store in Motherwell.
He was returned home unharmed after his family paid a R1m ransom for his release a few days later.
On the same day Bayit was kidnapped, another businessman, Godknows Chavvazhinji, 34, who works as a subcontractor, was abducted in Wells Estate.
He was dropped off in Durban Road in Korsten the next day, severely battered and bruised.
Chavvazhinji's kidnappers succumbed to pressure from a Hawks investigation team, who released him without the R100 000 ransom being paid.
Police are appealing to anyone who can assist with information on Gajjar's kidnapping to contact Detective Sergeant Ricardo January at 072 217 5772 or Crime stop on 08600 10111.
All information is confidential and callers may remain anonymous.
