The wife of an Indian-origin businessman has been charged with allegedly masterminding abduction of herself and husband to earn a hefty ransom.

According to media reports, Ashraf Kader, popularly known as Baboo Kaytex, and his 47-year-old wife Fatima Ismail were abducted near the premises of their business in Pretoria last week. He was rescued unharmed a day later on Monday by the authorities.

Fatima and three co-accused were remanded in custody, as per reports.

A fifth suspect, to whom the money was transferred to, was arrested on the West Rand. Police seized an illegal firearm, mobile phones and vehicles used in crime. 

Reports suggest that the four suspects were charged with kidnapping, demanding a ransom, and other serious offences, including hijacking the vehicle used in the abduction after ramming into Kader’s car.

The National Prosecuting Authority has faced criticism for granting bail to suspects, particularly in light of the rising kidnappings targeting Indian businessmen and their families over the past two years, as per media reports.

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