In the last three weeks, a terrifying string of kidnappings has gripped Gqeberha, with at least five abductions reported. These incidents have shaken the residents of Gqeberha and raised serious concerns about public safety in the city.
SCHOOL TEACHER ABDUCTED
On 24 March 2025, just after 08:00, at least three male suspects kidnapped a 45-year-old teacher outside her school in Algoa Park shortly after she arrived in her grey Toyota Fortuner, according to a SAPS media statement.
The suspects, using a white Toyota Corolla, forcefully took her into their vehicle and fled the scene again.
CHINESE NATIONAL TAKEN
Two weeks later, on 8 April, a 38-year-old Chinese National victim was kidnapped. According to SAPS, the businessman was travelling on the M19 on route to his business in Kariega, after he returned from the fresh produce market at around 5:39.
A white Toyota Quantum minibus that was parked across the road fired shots at the vehicle. The victim, driving a white Toyota Fortuner, came to a stop.
Three unknown suspects approached the vehicle and took the victim out of the vehicle and forced him into the minibus, and drove off.
YOUNG MAN RETURNS HOME BLOODIED AFTER MIDDAY KIDNAPPING
On the same day, 8 April, SAPS Mount Road responded to a kidnapping in Sydenham around 12:45. A 21-year-old man had been taken. The victim later returned home with visible injuries to his face.
PASTOR TAKEN MID-SERMON AT MOTHERWELL CHURCH
On 10 April, four masked and armed men stormed a church in Motherwell, held congregants at gunpoint, and kidnapped the 45-year-old pastor. The suspects fled the scene in the vehicle of the pastor. Police recovered the silver Toyota Fortuner a short while later in Motherwell
Police later found the pastor, an American citizen, at a safe house in KwaMagxaki. The suspects inside the vehicle allegedly attempted to flee and opened fire on the police.
Officers responded, triggering a high-intensity shootout that left three unidentified suspects fatally wounded.
DARLING STREET ABDUCTION
Five suspects kidnapped a 44-year-old businessman around 10:00 today, 9 May, dragging him from his BMW outside his North End business in Darling Street.
A blue VW Polo arrived and stopped behind the victim. The suspects forcibly removed the victim from his vehicle and shoved him into the VW Polo. Both vehicles then left the scene.
SAPS Mount Road opened a kidnapping case and is actively investigating the incident.
What do you think about the kidnappings in Gqeberha?
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