INDIAN communities in KwaZulu-Natal are being targeted by criminals who are kidnapping businessmen and ordinary citizens, and holding them for ransom, starting from R5 000.
Several cases of Indian foreign national businessmen being targeted by syndicates demanding protection fees in exchange for their safety have also been reported in recent months.
Prem Balram, owner of Reaction Unit South Africa, said in the last three months, more than 20 cases of kidnapping – several involving Indian victims – had been reported in the province.
“Initially, local and foreign businessmen were being targeted. But we are now seeing a trend where ordinary people are also being kidnapped and held for ransom,” said Balram.
“We find criminals are hijacking
