A 39-year-old businessman from Ballito was allegedly abducted at gunpoint from his home by friends from Phoenix over an unpaid debt of R180 000. The man's 64-year-old father reported that his son was kidnapped in front of his wife and three-month-old baby on Wednesday night. The abductors took the man's Peugeot bakkie at gunpoint. The father described the ordeal, stating his son was taken on a "hell ride" by his friend, who he owed the money to, and three others.
The father alleged that his son was assaulted and strangled with a seatbelt during the kidnapping. His Peugeot bakkie was stolen, and he was later dropped off at home. The friend then threatened him, stating that the amount was now doubled to R360 000 and had to be paid by Friday. The father said his son tried to negotiate, offering R210 000 by Friday, but the friend refused, demanding the full R360 000.
The father reported that they contacted the police and Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) for help after the suspect threatened his son, advising him to get a body bag ready. Prem Balram, head of RUSA, stated that his office has been inundated with similar cases, receiving about three cases per week. He noted that most victims are reluctant to open a criminal case but seek help when they feel their lives are in danger.
Balram mentioned that an Eastern Cape man who moved to Phoenix went missing on Sunday after meeting with loan sharks. The man's family had come from the Eastern Cape to pay the debt, but he has been missing since he went to speak with the loan shark. His family last made contact with him when he was on his way to meet the loan shark, and he is now registered as a missing person.
According to Balram, loan sharks have been using aggressive methods to intimidate clients into paying exorbitant amounts of money. Victims are given new deadlines to settle outstanding debts, with threats of further violence or death if payment is not made. Reaction officers believe some bodies discovered in isolated locations may be linked to similar incidents.
Balram noted that most victims do not want prosecutions, preferring to be left alone and make arrangements to pay. Some victims go into hiding out of fear, and there have been cases where men have waited outside someone's house for days to collect their money or intimidate the borrower. He cited a case where a man's body was found tied and dumped into a river, highlighting the lengths loan sharks go to get their money.
The police and RUSA are working to find the vehicle and apprehend the suspects in the Ballito kidnapping case. The incident is part of a larger trend of loan shark-related violence and intimidation in the area. Authorities are urging victims to come forward and report such incidents to prevent further escalation.
Key points
- A 39-year-old Ballito businessman was allegedly kidnapped and threatened over an unpaid debt of R180 000.
- Loan sharks have been using aggressive methods to intimidate clients into paying exorbitant amounts of money.
- Authorities have received an influx of similar cases, with about three cases per week reported to RUSA.
