19 hours ago
Business community reels after kidnapping incident: Nelson Mandela Bay's security crisis deepens
On Saturday morning at 6 am, Gqeberha resident Lindsay Knowlden, 65, was kidnapped from the Fresh Produce Market in Markman Industrial Area. While the kidnapping has sent shockwaves through the Nelson Mandela Bay community, frustrated business owners, whose businesses are under threat from protection rackets, have been calling for improved security in that area for more than two years.
For the past two years, members of the Markman Business Forum and business owners have been pleading with the Nelson Mandela Bay municipality for improved security infrastructure, more specifically a 300m fence to improve the safety of those who work in the area, spokesperson Graham Taylor said on Sunday.
On Saturday, the business community was shocked after Peter and Lindsay Knowlden were attacked in the underground parking at the Fresh Produce Market. Peter Knowlden was assaulted with a firearm and his wife Lindsay was kidnapped.
'We have been battling now for close on two years, and you almost get the feeling that the municipality is trying its best to avoid us,' Taylor said.
Taylor said that a meeting had been held earlier this month with acting city manager Ted Pillay and 'some commitments were made'.
'The boundaries of Markman Industria are incredibly porous,' Taylor said.
'Vulnerable'
'We are vulnerable on three sides of the area. We need a 300m fence. That corner where the Fresh Produce Market is has always been a problem,' he said.
He said that to the municipality's credit, it had tried to improve the security at the Fresh Produce market and had built a wall around the facility.
'But personally, I have never seen security guards there. The problem is that it remains completely accessible from the back,' Taylor said.
He said the area was monitored by private security, but it urgently needed a fence.
'That way we can introduce proper access control.' He said that currently, anybody could enter the area.
'That Addo corridor is a major challenge,' he said, referring to the road that runs from the N2 through Motherwell to Addo.
'We have been having meetings with logistics service providers and industry stakeholders just to address crime,' Taylor said.
'Businesses have the solution, but people need to start listening.' He said that as a result of the deteriorating security situation in the area, the cost of business had shot up. Some businesses now had to pay R300,000 a month for security.
'Protection racket'
Taylor said a protection racket was being run in the area, and any vehicle leaving without security would be followed and hijacked, especially those transporting food.
'Demanding protection money has become a trend,' he said. 'People know exactly what is in those vehicles.'
Wayne Hart from Atlas Security said they had been called in on Saturday after Lindsay Knowlden was kidnapped, as the couple were clients.
'As you, we are deeply concerned about the kidnapping of Lindsay Knowlden, which took place in the early hours of Saturday morning. Atlas Security was first on the scene, and our team responded immediately after being alerted.
'Our control room and teams have been working closely with the local authorities, using our extensive network of CCTV cameras across Nelson Mandela Bay to assist in the investigation. We can confirm that the vehicle involved was flagged, but in the interest of the ongoing investigation, further details cannot be shared at this time.
'We are aware that the Hawks have received a ransom demand for Lindsay's safe return. The case is now in the hands of the Hawks and SAPS, and Atlas Security will continue to cooperate fully with all roleplayers as the investigation unfolds.
'Our thoughts are with Lindsay's family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. We urge anyone with information to contact SAPS,' Atlas said.
SAPS spokesperson Captain Andre Beetge confirmed the incident, and that the case had been transferred to the Hawks.
The Fresh Produce Market is a Nelson Mandela Bay municipal facility, but by last night, municipal spokesperson Sithembiso Soyaya had not responded to questions about security measures there.
Earlier this month, Sanral construction manager Victor Ngcobo was kidnapped from Addo Road, 3km from the latest abduction. He was released unharmed.
