[imagesource:vanguardngr]

The desperate hunt for kidnapped businessman Calvin Naidoo enters the sixth day, with the kidnappers now demanding a ransom.

The Hawks in the Eastern Cape confirmed to IOL that a ransom demand had been made following the kidnapping of Calvin Naidoo on July 19 outside his workplace.

Hawks spokesperson Yolisa Mgolodela said there was “proof of life” but would not divulge the amount that was demanded.

The 51-year-old businessman was abducted by five masked assailants who forced him off the road in the early hours of the morning.

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According to Eastern Cape police spokesperson Captain Sandra van Rensburg, Naidoo was driving on Lindsey Road in Korsten when a Nissan NP200 rammed his vehicle, compelling him to stop.

“Another bakkie stopped behind him, and five suspects wearing balaclavas got out of the vehicle,” Van Rensburg said.

“They took him out of his vehicle, a Mercedes-Benz, and forced him into the bakkie and drove off.”

The suspects left the Nissan NP200 and the white Mercedes-Benz at the scene, according to police at the time. Upon further investigation, it was confirmed that the Nissan NP200 was reported hijacked in Motherwell in June 2024.

The motive for the kidnapping is unclear at this stage; however, a police investigation is underway.

At least the police force have managed to catch one kidnapper on the scene, an assistant nurse, Ntsika Tyali, 38, appeared in the Engcobo Magistrate’s Court after being arrested recently and has been remanded in police custody.

He is accused of kidnapping two people in June and fleecing their bank accounts for over R1 million, using some money to go on a retail spree, the Hawks said.

[source:iol]