Eastern Cape police are currently investigating the kidnapping of two individuals over the past two days. The first victim, 43-year-old Juan Yang, was reported missing on Thursday at approximately 5 pm. Yang’s family contacted authorities after being unable to reach her, and a search was initiated. Later, Yang’s white Volkswagen Polo was found abandoned in Sakela Street, KwaZakhele, but no further details have been released about her whereabouts.
The second incident occurred on Friday morning, just before 6 am, when 47-year-old Arshad Mahmood was kidnapped outside his business premises in Korster. According to reports, five unidentified suspects arrived in a black JWM double cab vehicle, brandishing firearms, and forced Mahmood into their vehicle before fleeing the scene.
The motives behind these kidnappings remain unclear, and police are continuing their investigations. Captain Sandra Janse Van Rensburg, Eastern Cape police spokesperson, confirmed that cases of kidnapping have been opened. Authorities are urging anyone with information that could assist in locating the victims to come forward. Information can be directed to Captain Christian Rowan at 082 442 1457, or through the SAPS Crime Stop number at 08600 10111, or by visiting the nearest police station. All tips will be treated with the utmost confidentiality, and callers can remain anonymous.
The two recent kidnappings follow a series of successful rescues this week in both the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. In KwaZulu-Natal, businessman Zakariyah Desai, who was abducted outside a mosque in September 2024, was freed after five months in captivity. Meanwhile, in the Eastern Cape, nine-year-old Emaan Fatima, who was kidnapped while walking home from school in Buffalo Flat, East London, was released after a ransom was reportedly paid. Another businessman, 74-year-old Ebrahim Moosa, was also released 24 hours after being kidnapped outside his workplace on Cuyler Street in Kruisrivier earlier this week.
