The kidnapping of Pretoria businessman Ashraf Kader, renowned in Laudium as ‘Baboo Kaytex’, took an unexpected turn after police identified his wife, Fatima, as the alleged mastermind behind the crime.
Story Summary:
- Pretoria businessman and wife kidnapped in Centurion, rescued in Mamelodi by police task team.
- Wife allegedly masterminded abduction, forming connections at a gym.
- Jeep used in kidnapping recovered, and multiple suspects, including an IT professional, arrested.
Investigation into Pretoria businessman’s kidnapping takes shocking turn
Kaytex and Fatima were reportedly abducted in Centurion on Sunday by men driving a black Jeep.
The couple was taken to a house in an upmarket Pretoria estate before being transported to Mamelodi.
In a swift operation, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit (AKU), led by Major-General Firoz Khan, rescued the couple from their captors in Mamelodi.
Police have since arrested several suspects, including an IT specialist employed by a multinational corporation.
According to investigators, Fatima allegedly befriended the suspect at a gym and plotted the kidnapping.
Authorities believe that shortly after the abduction, a ransom was transferred from Kaytex’s bank account.
The businessman was also reportedly beaten by the kidnappers during his ordeal.
The Jeep used in the crime was recovered earlier, aiding investigators in tracking down the suspects.
Police have seized two additional vehicles, cellphones, and a firearm as part of the operation.
The case is the latest in rising ransom and “express” kidnappings in South Africa.
According to the latest crime statistics, between July and September this year, the SAPS recorded 4,627 kidnapping cases nationwide, with Gauteng accounting for 2,498 incidents—the highest in the country.
