KwaZulu-Natal businessman Zakariyya Desai has been released after being held captive for five months following his abduction outside a KwaDukuza mosque.
While three suspects were initially arrested, including a police officer, they were later released, raising concerns about the growing kidnapping crisis in South Africa.
Desai, who owns Desai's Cash and Carry in KwaDukuza, was forcibly captured outside the Masjid-E-Munawwar mosque on September 9.
He was forced into a silver VW Polo after the night prayer.
At the time, police arrested Esmael Nangy, 51, Stefan Brites, 57, and 39-year-old Mpumalanga policeman Samkeliso Mlotshwa for his kidnapping,
They were recently released.
KZN Hawks spokesperson Simphiwe Mhlongo said Desai was found in the early hours of Monday morning at Ngwavuma in the northern part of KwaZulu-Natal.
However, the circumstances surrounding the businessman's release are unclear at the moment.
"We can confirm that Desai was released by his kidnappers. We are still investigating the case but for now, the family has asked us to respect their privacy until after his medical check-up. Once they give us the go ahead, we will speak to Desai.
“Our investigating officer is busy obtaining detailed information of the circumstances surrounding his release," said Mhlongo.
In a statement released on Monday morning, Desai's family said he was safe at home.
"We would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to our family, friends, acquaintances and our community, who have supported us in different ways during this difficult time. We ask for understanding as we are not ready to have visitors yet,” said the family.
Yusuf Abramjee, an anti-crime activist, said the incidents of kidnapping were getting worse each day.
“We know that the numbers for last year were at a 10-year high and that express kidnappings are on the increase,” said Abramjee.
He said the Eastern Cape was a hotspot for kidnappings.
“These criminal syndicates are taking advantage. Just this morning (Tuesday), a prominent Indian South African businessman was kidnapped in Uitenhage. We also know of the kidnapping of the young Pakistani girl in the Eastern Cape.”
Abramjee said Desai’s case showed how desperate the kidnappers were, as they held him for several months.
“These ransom kidnappings are of concern. While the police have made some inroads, more work still lies ahead. The police need to beef up their resources to make sure that these syndicates are brought to book,” said Abramjee.
“In the Desai case, we know the police made three arrests but the case was withdrawn. It again shows that the police are inefficient or there is something wrong with the system. Despite the provincial commissioners saying they had evidence against the three people arrested, including a cop, these people were freed. It's a very, very worrying situation and these urgent times need urgent and drastic action,” said Abramjee.