Kidnapped businessman safely back home

Date: 24 May 2021 By: Anton van Zyl

News broke early this morning that the 36-year-old Louis Trichardt businessman, Shyam Premjee, was released and is back at home. Shyam was kidnapped on 9 April while on his way to work.

The brutal manner in which he was abducted, sent shockwaves through the local community. His vehicle was blocked off by two vehicles shortly after he left his home just before 08:00 the morning. The kidnappers presumably transferred Mr Premjee to another vehicle and fled the scene, using two silver sedans. These vehicles were reportedly seen driving along the N1.

An intensive manhunt for the suspects and the safe return of Mr Premjee was immediately launched. After his kidnapping, no news were made available about his whereabouts. Two weeks ago another plea was made to anyone who might have information about Shyam, to come forward.

It is not sure whether a ransom was paid or what caused the kidnappers to release their victim.

A representative for the family confirmed on Monday morning that Shyam is back home. Shortly afterwards, the following letter was received from Mr Viju Premjee and family:
 

Dearest friends, respected elders, intimate family, the community of Louis Trichardt, religious and community leaders, the SAPS, the Farm watch, Town watch, Mr Snyman and his team.

Also, to the various security entities in our town. The selfless individuals who facilitated an instantaneous aerial search upon our cry for help. The Provincial and National Police leadership, the Provincial MECs, the National Office, Minister of Police, business leaders, rural community leaders, staff, our overseas friends, educational formations such as the Sumbandila scholarship trust, one and all.

It is with the deepest and most profound sense of gratitude, humility and happiness in my heart that we inform you all that Shyam has returned home to his family unharmed.

We thank first and foremost our Creator for his abundant mercy and kindness shown to us from the beginning.

It is only through his guidance that we have managed emotionally, spiritually and otherwise to get through this very difficult period in our lives.

As a community locally, nationally and internationally, you all have prayed both fervently and with steadfast faith and conviction.

Our Creator has from the beginning of time assured and reassured us that no prayer goes unanswered. It is with this innate belief that we drew strength to face each minute during the last few weeks.

Certainly, here is again an example of that assurance.

No amount of words or actions can elucidate our appreciation for this act of kindness in returning Shyam.

We extend our gratitude to all faiths for their continued prayer and to everyone that has supported us.

We pause with immense respect and sincerity and ask to be allowed the necessary space.

At this point it would be impossible to respond to phone calls or to reply to messages as we as a family need to assimilate spiritually and emotionally the events of the last few weeks, spend further time in prayer and give Shyam the support he needs.

With time we will regain our strength and return to daily routine.

We thank you in advance for respecting our simple but yet very significant humble request.

Please, as requested before, let's not further ventilate this matter on this group or any other form of social media or speculate on the train of events.

Again we thank you all.

May God be with you.

God bless.

Viju Premjee and family

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Anton van Zyl

Anton van Zyl has been with the Zoutpansberger and Limpopo Mirror since 1990. He graduated from the Rand Afrikaans University (now University of Johannesburg) and obtained a BA Communications degree. He is a founder member of the Association of Independent Publishers.

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