Villiers, Free State — A 35-year-old Bangladeshi man has been reported missing after an alleged carjacking in Villiers, and suspected kidnappers have demanded a ransom of R3 million for his safe return, police confirmed.
What happened
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the incident occurred at about 18:00 on Tuesday, 13 October, at the corner of Pearson and Main streets. The victim, named in police reports as Nadim Hoshen, was sitting in his Nissan Qashqai when two unknown men accosted him and drove off in the vehicle.
"It is alleged that the victim, Mr Hoshen, was sitting in his vehicle when two unknown African males accosted him and took his Nissan Qashqai,"
The vehicle was later found abandoned roughly 5km from the scene, but Hoshen was not with it. The following day, Wednesday 14 October, members of the victim's family reportedly received contact from suspected kidnappers who demanded R3 million for his safe release, according to the police spokesperson.
Police response and appeal
SAPS said the suspects remain unidentified. They are believed to have been travelling in one of the following vehicles: a white Toyota Corolla, a Volkswagen Polo Classic, or a Suzuki Dzire. The Free State Serious and Violent Crimes Unit has been notified and is handling the investigation.
Police appealed to anyone with information about the kidnapping, the suspect vehicles, or Mr Hoshen's whereabouts to contact the Free State Serious and Violent Crimes Unit. No further details were released about the family's contact with the suspects or about any negotiations.
Local context and concerns
Kidnapping during carjackings is relatively uncommon in smaller Free State towns, but such incidents raise acute concerns for local communities dependent on predictable movement for work, commerce and agriculture. Villiers is a modest town on the Vaal River near the N3 corridor, frequented by commuters and commercial traffic; violent crime in such nodes can have disproportionate local economic and social impact.
South African police data show that carjackings and violent property-related crimes often surge in hotspots along major transport routes. While national trends are compiled by SAPS and Stats SA, the immediate priority for residents is clarity about personal safety and rapid information-sharing with law enforcement.
Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 13 October | About 18:00 — Nadim Hoshen allegedly accosted and taken during carjacking at Pearson and Main streets; vehicle stolen. |
| 13 October | Vehicle recovered ~5km from scene; Hoshen not found. |
| 14 October | Suspected kidnappers contact family, demand R3 million for safe release. |
How the public can help
- Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Nadim Hoshen should contact the Free State Serious and Violent Crimes Unit immediately.
- If you saw a white Toyota Corolla, a Volkswagen Polo Classic or a Suzuki Dzire in the Villiers area around 13–14 October, please report details to SAPS.
- Do not attempt to intervene if you encounter suspected suspects; report details (vehicle registration, direction of travel, distinguishing features) to police.
At present there has been no public confirmation of a ransom payment or of any release. SAPS has not disclosed whether forensic or CCTV leads have been developed. The investigation remains active.
Kidnapping for ransom — particularly with demands at the level reported — heightens the risk profile for victims and families and typically prompts specialised investigative resources. The Free State Serious and Violent Crimes Unit handles such matters and will pursue leads to locate the missing man and those responsible.
This case underlines the continuing need for vigilance among residents in towns along transport routes and for rapid reporting of suspicious behaviour to law enforcement to assist timely investigations and to reduce the risk of further incidents.
Police requests for information should be directed to the Free State Serious and Violent Crimes Unit; SAPS contact details are available at local police stations and on official SAPS channels.
