Local businessman Liyaqat Parker (65) was reunited with his family after he was kidnapped and held in captivity for over two months. He was released on Monday morning, but his family only confirmed his safe return on Tuesday.
“The Parker family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to everyone who has walked this journey with them and provided physical, emotional and spiritual support. It is truly appreciated,” the family said in a statement.
Parker was allegedly kidnapped by five unknown men in the underground parking bay of his business in N1 City.
An unknown light-duty vehicle (LDV) allegedly followed Parker into the basement parking. At the gate, the suspects forced the security guard into the bathroom, locked him up and took away his cellphone. The suspects then loaded Parker into the LDV and drove off.
This is not the first time a prominent businessman has been kidnapped in Cape Town. A year ago, in July 2017 – Sadeck Zhaun Ahmed, owner of Zhauns Business Opportunity Machines – was kidnapped outside his business in Salt River.
He was eventually returned to his family in October without any ransom, as his abductors were concerned about his ‘deteriorating’ health.
In 2016, prominent businessman Naushad Deshmukh Khan was kidnapped outside of his business in Athlone. Khan is the owner of Khan’s clothing store, and was returned to his family two months after being abducted.