Durban man 'paid hijackers R20k to spare his life'

A Durban man allegedly paid hijackers R20,000 to spare his life.

Marshall Security on Wednesday said the man was kidnapped during a hijacking at the weekend.

“On Saturday evening at approximately 8.30pm, members of our special operations team were activated to assist Cartrack with locating a white Golf 7 that had been hijacked in the Umbilo area,” said the company.

“Members immediately responded [with those from] Cato Manor trio crimes and urban defence and within minutes the vehicle was found abandoned on a dirt road off Liliancrest Walk in Cato Crest, Mayville.

“Upon further investigation, it was discovered the driver of the vehicle had been kidnapped during the hijacking and was extorted by the suspects to pay them R20,000 to spare his life. Thereafter he was dropped off on the N3 near Tollgate bridge.”

The security company did not immediately confirm if the matter was reported to police or how the victim was able to access the money.