An employee of a tyre shop in the Chubbies Garage area, Verulam was kidnapped by a customer after he failed to receive a refund for a defective tyre this afternoon (Saturday).
Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) received a call from the owner of the business at approximately 19:46 requesting assistance after the kidnapper had provided a location where his refund could be dropped off in exchange for his employees freedom.
Reaction Officers proceeded to Old Inanda Road where they met with the owner of the business. On arrival he explained that he did not have have exact details of the incident, however he received a call from his employee stating that he was being held against his will at their customers residence. He managed to provide a location opposite Cottonwood Drive, Trenance Park.
Reaction Officers proceeded with the complainant to his employees location. A group of men and a female were located on the road. The victim was seated on the pavement.
The group explained that they had purchased a used tyre which was fitted on a Toyota Corolla. They later found that the tyre had a defective side wall and proceeded to the shop to request a refund. The employee informed them that his boss was out but will return prior to closing. After waiting several hours they grew impatient and asked the employee to accompany them to their house until his boss paid them the money. They claimed that the man willingly accompanied them.
The employee explained that one of the men threatened to assault him with a wheel spanner and forced him into their vehicle before they drove off. He added that they threatened to assault him if they did not receive their refund of R120. The victim declined to register a criminal case however requested financial compensation from the men for the kidnapping. No monies were paid to him.
Reaction Officers released the suspects after the owner of the business confirmed that he would reimburse them for the tyre and that no criminal case was desired.