Mother reveals son's final moments before kidnapping and murder

Syndicate headed by a 16-year-old allegedly targeting e-hailing drivers in Phoenix

- YOSHINI PERUMAL

(Muhammed Muzaffar Saib)

A PHOENIX mother shared her devastating experience after her son, an e-hailing driver and community police forum member, was kidnapped and murdered by an alleged syndicate targeting drivers in the area.

Another driver revealed he narrowly escaped the same fate a week earlier.

Four suspects including two minors have been arrested and charged for the murder of Muhammed Muzaffar Saib, 24, of Whetstone.

Shaakira Saib said her son, Muzaffar, had disappeared soon after he had dropped off passengers in Shawham Place, Westham, last Monday just after 9pm.

She said he had been stabbed and assaulted, and she thought he was making his way home when he collapsed and died in a stream at Rydalvale Grounds in Whetstone, last Wednesday.

His body was found 200 metres away from his home.

KZN police spokesperson Captain Ntathu Ndlovu said Muzaffar's vehicle was recovered after it had been abandoned in Bhambayi.

"Preliminary investigations indicated that a known suspect was seen driving the abandoned vehicle. The suspect was tracked down by police and brought in for questioning. On Wednesday, police arrested three more suspects," she said.

The suspects are expected to apply for bail in the Verulam Magistrate's Court next week.

This week a distraught Saib detailed how her worst nightmare unfolded when her son failed to return home.

"Last Monday, I was sick and Muzaffar took me to the doctor in the evening. On the way back home he bought me a milkshake and chocolate cake. When we got home, I was sleepy from the medication. He told me to have the treats in the morning. That was the last time I saw my baby.

"On Tuesday morning, we tried calling him. Muzaffar was due to take us somewhere. He did not answer his phone. His girlfriend said he had left her house at 9pm to drop off passengers who had booked a trip with him.