Last week, a kidnapping outside Niro Plastics in Blackheath/Kuils River shook Capetonians.
The woman, Anichka Penev (35) a Ukrainian national, was forced out of a yellow Audi R8 after being sandwiched between two getaway vehicles. Her husband, Simeon Penev, is the owner of Nioro Plastics.
Local police have opened a case of kidnapping and attempted murder as two shots were fired at the scene.
Following the news, an international security company, Crisis24 proposed advice on its website asking travellers to avoid certain areas of lower income, avoid showing “outward displays of wealth” as well as restrain from venturing to these areas alone.
It also mentioned that “kidnapping for ransom and extortion of foreigners and their family members is an increasing concern in the greater Cape Town area, especially those showing overt displays of wealth. Extortion of owners of restaurants, bars, and nightclubs is common in central Cape Town.”
Since its publication, some believe that the warning could impact the local tourism industry. Cape Town tourism CEO Enver Duminy has for one, dismissed it as “misleading.”
Others, however, have looked at the statistics in agreeing with the advice.
There have been over 3000 kidnapping cases reported in South Africa between April and June alone this year, and 237 of these were reports from the Western Cape.
As for Penev’s case, her family believes that incorrect allegations (including a ransom rumour and the family’s financial costs) have jeopardised her case.
Also see: Anichka Penev’s family raise concerns over false speculations
Anichka Penev has not been found yet.
Police urge anyone with any information to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
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Picture: Facebook