Hawks confirm R140 million ransom demand for KZN businesswoman
Updated | By Nokukhanya Mntambo
The Hawks have confirmed that a R140 million ransom was sought by the kidnappers of KwaZulu-Natal businesswoman Sandra Moonsamy.
Four foreign nationals have since been arrested and will appear in the Durban Magistrates Court on Monday on charges of kidnapping.
The elite crime-fighting unit confirmed on Friday that they had previously received an email with a demand for a ransom payment in exchange for the safe release of Moonsamy.
Moonsamy was found alive in Mpumalanga, six months after she was allegedly abducted.
"From the beginning there was ransom that was requested, about R140 million," says Hawks spokesperson Hangwani Mulaudzi.
"We are also trying by all means to work with immigration and Home Affairs as to double-check their status in the country, but I think on Monday we will be able to reveal all the information as to who they are and where they come from.”
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The mother-of-two was driving to her Westville home at around 9pm in May when her car was forced off the freeway.
The kidnappers bundled the 44-year-old Moonsamy into another vehicle, leaving one of her cell phones in her SUV.
Mulaudzi says Moonsamy was found in a bad state.
"The victim is recuperating very well in hospital although she was found in a very bad state. She's in good spirits although she went through a very traumatic experience."
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