A suspect connected to the abduction of a Pakistani businessman in Hluhluwe, located in northern KwaZulu-Natal, was shot and killed during a confrontation with police near Empangeni on Saturday night.
The businessman was reportedly taken hostage on 6 May 2026, with the kidnappers demanding a ransom of R200,000 for his release.
According to Colonel Robert Netshiunda, a spokesperson for KwaZulu-Natal SAPS, the victim was freed the next day after R90,000 was paid.
“The Pakistan businessman was released on the following day, and an amount of R90 000 was paid, and the victim was released on condition that the balance would be paid after his freedom was guaranteed,” said Netshiunda.
Subsequently, the police initiated an operation to locate the suspects.
“The Empangeni Tactical Response Team initiated an operation and a guided drop-off of the outstanding balance was arranged,” he said.
“On Saturday night, a parcel was dropped on the N2 northbound, and three suspects, who were travelling in a bakkie, arrived to pick up the parcel.”
Netshiunda mentioned that police officers confronted the suspects, which led to a shootout.
“The TRT officers confronted the suspects, and a shootout ensued. One suspect was shot and fatally wounded at the scene. The second suspect fled into the bushes and disappeared in the darkness, whilst the third suspect drove off,” he said.
“The bakkie he was driving was found abandoned on the N2 on-ramp at Empangeni.”
Authorities also recovered a firearm with a filed-off serial number from the deceased suspect.
“A manhunt for the suspects who evaded arrest is underway,” added Netshiunda.
