LISTEN: Police still investigating kidnapping case of Pretoria businessman (46)

The Citizen

31-07-2025

WARNING: Image of a sensitive nature
An investigation into the kidnapping of a Pretoria businessman Jerry Boshoga (46) is still ongoing following his disappearance on November 18, 2024.
Police condemned the spread of false and misleading information on social media over speculation regarding the possible death of Boshoga.
National police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, has called on the public to refrain from posting unverified claims after fake reports were circulated online during the last 24 hours, alleging that Boshoga had been found dead.
Mathe confirmed that the investigation into the case is ongoing and remains at a very sensitive stage.
'The businessman has not been found alive nor deceased. We therefore call on all social media users to stop the spread of unverified information.'
She said that these harmful and unfounded posts have caused unnecessary trauma and panic for Boshoga's loved ones.
Sad news coming from Pretoria, the kidnapped farmer and businessman Jerry Boshoga has sadly been found dead @MurielMakulana pic.twitter.com/fTPlQNILGD
— Lt-General Saulo Lesia Laka🇿🇦 (@FonyokaPondoka) July 30, 2025
'Social media users are also urged to spare a thought for the family of the victim.
'The spreading of such misleading information has caused unnecessary trauma, panic, and anxiety for the close family members, including his mother, wife, and children.'
Mathe added that police are maintaining close contact with the family, and if any developments arise, the family will be informed directly by the investigating team.
In March, Boshoga's family pleaded for his safe return following his kidnapping in Rooihuiskraal, Centurion, on November 18 last year.
The abduction occurred shortly after the 46-year-old businessman and farmer attended a business meeting in the area.
His sister Josie recounted the events of that day, saying her brother had been driven to the meeting by their other brother, Tumi.
According to her, Jerry's business partner asked to show him something down the road, and Jerry told Tumi he would be back in 15 minutes.
When he didn't return, Tumi tried calling him, but his phone went to voicemail.
'By the time an hour had passed, Tumi grew increasingly worried and contacted Jerry's wife, who had not heard from him either,' Josie said.
Just minutes later, the family received a devastating call from Jerry, who was forced by his kidnappers to confirm to his wife that he had been abducted.
Josie said the kidnappers warned the family not to involve the police and began demanding ransom payments.
'They contacted us constantly on a private number, demanding a ransom. The initial demand was R60-million, which we could not afford.
'After a while, the ransom was reduced to R25-million and eventually to R10-million.'
Despite the family's efforts, they were unable to raise the money, and in February, they began receiving videos showing Jerry being tortured.
'These videos are very insensitive and extremely disturbing. This is torture,' Josie said, adding that some of the footage was even posted on social media.
The ordeal has taken a heavy toll on the family. Josie said their elderly parents have been in and out of the hospital and are struggling to cope.
She also revealed that she has received threats from the kidnappers after speaking out about the case online.
'I am also scared for my safety, because I have been posting a lot about it on social media because, at this point, I don't know what to do,' she said.
Despite the threats, the family has remained determined to raise awareness about the case and continue to appeal for Jerry's safe return.
At the time, police spokesperson Captain Johan van Dyk confirmed that investigations were still underway, but no further details about the progress of the case had been disclosed.
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