{
  "id": 15416506,
  "title": "Bangladeshi man kidnapped in Free State as kidnappers demand R3m",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/bangladeshi-man-kidnapped-in-free-state-as-kidnappers-demand-r3m",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-18T13:34:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "IOL",
    "slug": "iol",
    "url": "https://iol.co.za/news/crime-and-courts/2026-10-18-bangladeshi-man-kidnapped-in-free-state-as-kidnappers-demand-r3m/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On Tuesday, October 13, a 35-year-old Bangladeshi man named Nadim Hoshen was kidnapped during a carjacking in Villiers, Free State. Two unidentified men confronted him at the intersection of Pearson and Main streets around 6pm. The suspects reportedly fled the scene with Hoshen's Nissan Qashqai, leaving his family frantic as his location remained unknown. Police spokesperson Constable Kelello Patsa stated, \"It is alleged that the victim, Mr Hoshen, was sitting in his vehicle when two unknown African males accosted him and took his Nissan Qashqai.\" The vehicle was later discovered abandoned 5km away from the initial incident, but Hoshen was nowhere to be seen. The following day, Wednesday, October 14, the kidnappers allegedly contacted Hoshen's family, demanding a ransom of R3 million for his safe return. Despite the ransom demand, the victim had not been located as of the police report. The suspects behind the kidnapping have not been identified, but authorities believe they may have been driving either a white Toyota Corolla, a Volkswagen Polo Classic, or a Suzuki Dzire. Police are currently urging anyone with information regarding the kidnapping or Hoshen's current whereabouts to reach out to the Free State Serious and Violent Crimes Unit.",
  "summary": "Police are searching for Nadim Hoshen after his Nissan Qashqai was found abandoned, with his family reportedly receiving a R3 million ransom demand a day after his disappearance.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "IOL",
        "title": "Free State man rescued from river after reportedly hearing voices and jumping",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/free-state-man-rescued-from-river-after-reportedly-hearing-voices-and",
        "published": "2026-10-18T11:57:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "SABC News",
        "title": "Veld fire warning for Free State amid hot and dry conditions",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/veld-fire-warning-for-free-state-amid-hot-and-dry-conditions",
        "published": "2026-10-18T12:30:40.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}