The wife of a prominent businessman in Kariega, who was kidnapped at her home on Wednesday, has been returned after her family paid a ransom demand of R2 million.
The Hawks confirmed that Sonam Gajjar, 34, was released unharmed late on Friday, after the ransom demand was lowered from R5 million to R2 million.
Hawks spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Avele Fumba said: "Through strategic negotiations and sufficient investigation pressure, the kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of R5 million which was ultimately reduced to R2 million to ensure the victim's safety."
Gajjar's safe release was due to collaboration efforts by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation Kidnapping team, hostage negotiators, Crime Intelligence, and SAPS officials.
Fumba said the Hawks' main priority was to ensure that the victim was returned alive.
"In essence, the objective of the Hawks is zero payment of the ransom money, but the focus is also on the safe return of the victim," he said.
Intensive investigations are underway to make sure that the kidnappers are brought to book.
Gajjar was kidnapped at around 07:50 on Wednesday as she exited her driveway on Mosel Road in Kariega.
She was accosted by four males who shoved her into a white Hyundai that sped off in the direction of Motherwell.
