Kidnapped businessman rescued, wanted Mozambican kidnapper fatally wounded

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KEMPTON PARK - The South African Police Service (SAPS) Anti-Kidnapping Task Team has safely reunited an Indian businessman with his family following a shootout with an alleged mastermind behind the businessman’s kidnapping. The businessman was found in Alexandra in a shack shortly after midnight on Thursday, 04 September 2025. His rescue follows a shooting in which the alleged mastermind behind his kidnapping was shot and killed during confrontation with police officers near the R21 in Kempton Park on Wednesday evening. The suspect who goes by the nickname “Dollarman” is a wanted kidnapping kingpin in both SA and in Mozambique. He is on SERNIC which is Mozambique’s wanted persons database where he was a wanted for several kidnapping for ransoms cases. In SA he was also linked to at least five kidnapping for ransom cases as well as other cases of housebreaking, carjacking and possession of unlicensed firearms. From July 2021 to date more than 337 kidnappers have been arrest...
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KZN Premier mourns the passing of renowned journalist Paddy Harper

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DURBAN - KwaZulu-Natal Premier Honourable Thamsanqa Ntuli has expressed profound sadness and extends heartfelt condolences to the family, colleagues, and loved ones of Paddy Harper, a veteran political journalist and political editor of the Mail & Guardian, who passed away on Saturday morning in Durban.  

Paddy Harper was a towering figure in South African journalism, known for his fearless commitment to speaking truth to power, his unwavering ethical standards, and his incisive and thought-provoking commentary. Over his illustrious career, he earned the respect and admiration of both the media industry and political spheres.  

"Paddy Harper’s passing is a great loss to journalism and to the nation. His fearless reporting and sharp wit shaped political discourse and held those in power accountable. Paddy was a beacon of integrity and a voice of truth in a challenging and ever-changing media landscape," said Premier Ntuli.  

Harper’s contributions to the *Mail & Guardian* were unparalleled, regularly producing front-page stories that set the national agenda and sparked important conversations. His weekly column, affectionately known as “Paddy’s column,” became a staple for readers seeking insightful and sardonic perspectives on political developments.  

“KwaZulu-Natal mourns the loss of one of its finest sons. Paddy Harper’s legacy as a journalist of impeccable character and unmatched talent will endure. On behalf of the Provincial Government and the people of KwaZulu-Natal, I extend my deepest sympathies to Paddy’s family, friends, and the entire *Mail & Guardian* team during this difficult time,” Premier Ntuli added.  

The Premier noted that Paddy Harper’s work not only informed and inspired but also challenged leaders to reflect and strive for accountability and justice. His legacy as a journalist with unimpeachable ethics will remain a guiding light for generations to come.  

As the province comes to terms with this monumental loss, the KZN government honors the indelible mark Paddy Harper left on journalism and the role he played in shaping a better South Africa.  

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Kidnapped businessman rescued, wanted Mozambican kidnapper fatally wounded

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