After more than five months of uncertainty, Zakariyya Desai, the KwaZulu-Natal businessman who was abducted outside a mosque, has been freed. The event took place on September 9, 2024, when Desai, the owner of Desai’s Cash & Carry in KwaDukuza, was forcefully taken by suspects driving a silver VW Polo. The abduction unfolded after Desai had finished his night prayer, and the kidnappers fired several shots as they seized him, while others tried unsuccessfully to intervene. The situation escalated when a ransom demand for Desai’s release was made shortly after.
The Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigation in KwaZulu-Natal confirmed that Desai had been released, though details surrounding his return remain scarce. Desai shared with IOL that the investigative team was on its way to meet with his family and assured that more information would be disclosed soon. Despite the traumatic ordeal, he was freed without the ransom ever being paid, according to KZN Hawks spokesperson Captain Simphiwe Mhlongo.
Desai’s release comes just weeks after charges against three individuals, initially arrested in connection with the kidnapping, were dropped. Two Mozambican nationals and a South African Police Service officer were detained on charges of kidnapping, extortion, and attempted murder. However, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) decided to withdraw the charges against Esmael Maulide Ramos Nangy, Stefane Pereira Da Costa Brites, and Samkeliso Honest Mlotshwa, marking a surprising turn in the case.
This development has left many questions unanswered, but Desai’s return to safety brings a much-needed sense of relief after a harrowing ordeal.
