Police in Richards Bay are investigating a case of hijacking and kidnapping following the disappearance of 57-year-old Ranjankumar “Boya” Sew.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the incident is being probed under case number 213/11/2025. Sew was last seen leaving his home in Brackenham around 10:30 on Tuesday morning. He was reportedly on his way to the Brackenham Clinic, driving a white Toyota Avanza with registration NRB 18764.
Family members told Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) that Sew never arrived at his destination and has not been seen or heard from since.
Information later emerged that his vehicle was spotted in several locations and captured on camera near Dondotha Reserve in KwaMbonambi. A search of the area yielded no results.
The family also received an anonymous call demanding R5,000, claiming the car would be stripped if payment wasn’t made. It remains unclear whether the call was from a scammer who had seen reports of the missing vehicle or from someone involved in the crime.
Sew, a retired salesman, is described as clean-shaven and balding, with no tattoos. At the time of his disappearance, he was wearing a grey shirt and blue jeans.
RUSA later confirmed that Sew’s Toyota Avanza had been recovered in northern KwaZulu-Natal and that several suspects found in the vehicle were taken into custody. However, Sew’s whereabouts remain unknown.
Authorities are continuing their investigation.
Anyone with information that could assist in locating Ranjankumar Sew is urged to contact Reaction Unit South Africa at 086 123 4333 or family representative Louie Naidoo at 082 452 5429.