It turns out kidnapping in Cape Town might be lucrative business, because those behind the abduction of local businessman Sadeck Zhaun Ahmed could end up with R44 million for their troubles.

They’re actually demanding $3,3 million for Ahmed’s safe return, with the family of the abducted “locked in tense negotiations with the kidnappers, who are believed to be Cape Flats underworld figures”.

The family’s spokesman, Hanif Loonat, confirmed to IOL that Ahmed is still alive:

It is understood the family was on Wednesday night awaiting a phone call from the snatched businessman regarding the ransom his abductors are demanding.

According to a source close to the family, the kidnappers want $3.3 million (R44 million) for his safe return.

“It’s been discovered that the kidnappers are high flying gangsters on the Cape Flats,” says the insider.

“They made this ransom demand on Sunday in their second phone call to the family. The relatives spoke to Mr Ahmed and we can confirm he was alive at that stage.”

He says the family has now contracted a private investigator to assist in finding Ahmed.

Ahmed, who made his money by starting Zhauns, was abducted on Salt River Main Road back on July 25. According to witnesses, a double cab bakkie pulled up whilst he was loading his car boot, and he was tasered and thrown into the bakkie.

Anyone with information about Ahmed’s kidnapping is asked to contact Warrant Officer Phillips on 083 244 3688 or Hanif Loonat on 082 860 7863.

[source:iol]