Two Nelson Mandela Bay kidnappings in less than a week

Less than a week after the brazen abduction of a Gqeberha nightclub owner’s daughter, police are now investigating a second kidnapping — this time of a 61-year-old businessman from Schauderville.

Chris Kaldelis, the owner of S&D Appliance Warehouse, was reportedly forced into a vehicle on Sunday afternoon and was still missing by Tuesday afternoon.

And while police have remained tight-lipped about the circumstances of his disappearance, spokesperson Captain Andre Beetge confirmed that an investigation was under way.

He said the incident occurred at about 5pm, adding that details were sketchy and anyone with more information should contact Crime Stop on 08600-10111.

Kaldelis’s partner, Cheryl Booysen, said she had been instructed not to speak to the media.

The case comes days after the kidnapping of Ebenese “Ebbie” Williams, the 30-year-old daughter of a nightclub boss who owns The North Event Centre in Bethelsdorp.

Williams was grabbed outside her boyfriend’s home in Cleary Estate just after 7pm on Thursday.

CCTV footage shows a white vehicle pulling up in the street, with two men leaping out and jogging alongside the reversing car before disappearing from view.

The Hawks have since taken over the investigation.

Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Avele Fumba said the matter was at a sensitive stage.

“There are no new developments at this time.”

It is understood a ransom demand of R5m has been made for her safe return. 

As police battle to stem the rise in kidnappings, the Hawks are set to host a workshop on Wednesday with senior detectives and organised crime experts to map out strategies to curb the growing trend.

A source close to one of the investigations said: “These are not isolated incidents. It’s clear there’s a broader pattern emerging.”

At least 13 people have been kidnapped in the city since the start of the year.

The wave of abductions began in January when 52-year-old Bertie Williams, owner of Sidwell Scrap Metals, was taken at gunpoint. He was forced into a car and later reunited with his family.

That same month, Gulam Talat, 39, was taken by four armed men from his cellphone shop in Durban Road. He was shoved into a white Toyota Corolla and later released.

In February, two separate kidnapping incidents occurred. Juan Yang, 43, was abducted in Korsten and Arshad Mahmood, 47, was taken in Kwazakhele. Both were later freed.

Ebrahim Moosa, 74, was taken from his business in Kariega in broad daylight. He was rescued within hours.

In March, KwaDwesi shop owner Jaffar Uddin was kidnapped and held for ransom before being freed.

Also in March, a 45-year-old teacher was abducted from her school in Algoa Park. She was later released.

The following month, a 38-year-old businessman was dragged from his car on the M19 near Kariega. He was later found safe.

Later that month, pastor Josh Sullivan was taken while preaching at the Fellowship Baptist Church in Motherwell. A ransom was demanded and he was eventually released.

In May, two babies were kidnapped from Dora Nginza Hospital. They too were later found. 

In June, Lindsay Knowlden, 65, was kidnapped at the Nelson Mandela Bay Fresh Produce Market. She was also later released. 

Also in June, a 12-year-old girl who was kidnapped was found murdered in the bushes in Motherwell.

According to police statistics, 4,748 people were kidnapped between October and December across SA.

The Herald