IOL KZN businessman Zakariyya Desai who was brazenly kidnapped in September has been freed.
Image: File Picture
More than five months after KwaZulu-Natal businessman Zakariyya Desai was brazenly kidnapped outside a mosque, he has been released.
Desai was brazenly kidnapped on September 9, 2024.
The Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigation in KZN confirmed Desai had been released.
He told IOL the investigation team was on their way to meet with the family and more information would be made available later.
Desai who owns, Desai's Cash & Carry in KwaDukuza, was taken by force by suspects driving a silver VW Polo after a night prayer. The suspects fired several shots as others tried to stop the kidnapping.
A ransom demand was subsequently made for his release.
KZN Hawks spokesperson Captain Simphiwe Mhlongo told IOL that the ransom was never paid.
His release comes two weeks after charges were dropped against three people who were arrested for their alleged involvement in Desai's kidnapping.
Three people were arrested - two Mozambican nationals and a South African Police Service (SAPS) officer were initially arrested.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said the charges against Esmael Maulide Ramos Nangy, Stefane Pereira Da Costa Brites, and Samkeliso Honest Mlotshwa were withdrawn.
They were arrested on charges of kidnapping, extortion, and attempted murder.
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