THOHOYANDOU - A well-known Chinese businessman from Thohoyandou was kidnapped and assaulted on Sunday night. He managed, however, to escape the following morning.

According to the information available, the victim, who is a prominent businessman in the Thohoyandou shopping complex, Vuwani, Tshilamba and Makonde, was about to enter his home when four suspects emerged next to his gate. Some of the suspects pointed firearms at him and forced him to get inside of their vehicle and drove away.

The kidnappers then phoned one of the businessman’s em-ployees, demanding a half a million rand in cash in exchange for his release. The employee was also told by the kidnappers telephonically not to inform the police about the incident. Nevertheless, the employee informed the police about the matter and they immediately started with their investigations and a search for the man.

At that time, the victim was kept in the Thathe Vondo plantation near Sibasa. He was tied up with rope and was severely beaten.

On Monday, the kidnappers left the victim in the bushes. He managed to untie himself and he ran to the road from Phiphidi to Sibasa. He was later found by staff from the Department of Home Affairs.

The victim told Mirror that the kidnappers ordered him not to disclose any information concerning their identity. He also declined to comment whether he knew them or not.

The SAPS spokesperson in Vhembe area, Captain Ailwei Mushavhanamadi, said that the Thohoyandou police station has opened a kidnapping case, following the incident. Mushavhanamadi said that the police are appealing to anyone with information about whereabouts the perpetrators to contact the nearest police station.