Cape Town – Eastern Cape businessman Hilton Wicks has been found and reunited with his family after he was kidnapped on Friday.
The 24-year-old, who was kidnapped near his home in Maclear, was reportedly released in the early hours of Monday morning, reports said.
According to Mthatha Express, Hawks spokesperson, Captain Yolisa Mgolodela, confirmed that Wicks was found safe.
“He was dropped at Kei Bridge during the early hours of the day. He is safe,” the report quoted Mgolodela as saying.
However, Mgolodela could not confirm if a ransom was paid for the release of the former head boy at Kingswood College in Makhanda, reported TimesLIVE.
Victim Hilton Wicks has been freed. It is believed one suspect has been arrested. #Kidnapping https://t.co/LxkNHInkWf pic.twitter.com/SP5HXVzfMR
— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) March 27, 2023
“We don’t talk about ransom and we won’t say if the ransom was paid because that will be perpetuating the crime,” Mgolodela was quoted as saying in the report.
Wick’s kidnapping came shortly after the release of Gqeberha biokineticist Riana Pretorius who was released on Thursday after an eight-day ordeal.
Suspect, Xolisile Rawutini, 41, was arrested in Deal Party shortly after the crime was committed and charged with illegally possessing a firearm. He is expected back in court on April 5.
A ransom demand of R2 million was made for Riana’s safe return a day after she was kidnapped.
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Picture: Facebook/ Hilton Wicks
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Compiled by Olwethu Mpeshe
