A prominent businessman from Gqeberha was kidnapped in broad daylight at the Quest fuel station in Korsten on Friday, 14 February 2025.
Korsten businessman kidnapping caught on CCTV
The entire ordeal was captured on CCTV, showing a coordinated attack by a gang of at least five men.
The footage shows the businessman standing outside his petrol station when an unidentified man approaches him and engages in conversation for a few minutes.
Meanwhile, a double-cab bakkie was parked at a nearby filling spot, with its occupants pretending to be checking their tyres.
Suddenly, four men jump out of the vehicle, overpower the businessman, and force him inside before speeding off.
Authorities have yet to issue a formal statement, but police were seen at the scene gathering evidence and reviewing the CCTV footage.
The businessman’s whereabouts remain unknown, and no ransom demand has been confirmed at this stage.
Is there a kidnapping syndicate operating in the Eastern Cape?
This latest abduction follows a spike in kidnappings in the Eastern Cape, particularly targeting business owners and their families.
Just two days before this incident, two high-profile kidnapping victims were released, raising concerns that a well-organised syndicate may be behind these attacks.
Emaan Fatima, a nine-year-old girl from East London, was kidnapped on Monday, 4 February 2025, while walking home from school. She was held for over a week before being released after her parents paid a ransom.
Ebrahim Moosa, a 74-year-old businessman from Kariega, was kidnapped outside his workplace on Monday, 11 February 2025. He was rescued in Kwazakele during an overnight police operation.
Authorities are now investigating whether these cases are linked and if an organised crime network is actively targeting business owners in the province.
Despite the increased number of kidnappings, police have yet to confirm any arrests or name any suspects.
