Pakistani businessman Khurram Shehzad was reportedly kidnapped by armed men in Pretoria, South Africa, in an incident that has raised fresh concerns over the safety of Pakistani nationals living and working in the country.
According to reports, the abduction took place in the Hercules area of Pretoria on the evening of July 4. Local police have registered a kidnapping case under Case No. 41/07/2026 and launched an investigation into the incident.
Authorities have not yet released further official details regarding the circumstances of the kidnapping or the ongoing investigation.
The incident has reignited concerns within South Africa’s Pakistani business community, which has witnessed several kidnapping-for-ransom cases in recent years. Community members say many Pakistani traders have been targeted by criminal gangs, with some victims reportedly killed despite ransom payments being made.
Sources have also alleged that, in certain past kidnapping cases, individuals close to the victims may have provided information to criminal groups in exchange for a share of the ransom. However, officials have not confirmed any such claims in Khurram Shehzad’s case.
Members of the Pakistani community have urged the Government of Pakistan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to engage more actively with South African authorities to address the growing security concerns and improve protection for Pakistani citizens residing in the country.
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