Jerry Boshoga, a 46-year-old Pretoria businessman and farmer, was kidnapped on 18 November 2024 after attending a business meeting at a KFC outlet in Centurion’s Wierdapark area. More than a year later, he remains missing, with police investigations ongoing and no confirmed sightings of him alive or deceased.
The kidnappers contacted his family, demanding an initial ransom of R60 million, later reduced to R10 million. They sent disturbing videos showing Boshoga being tortured and pleading for the payment. Despite these graphic appeals, the family could not meet the demands, highlighting the gap between perceived wealth and available resources.
Boshoga is known to have been a friend and business associate of Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, an incarcerated figure linked to organised crime allegations. Matlala has repeatedly denied any involvement in the abduction. He testified before parliamentary committees that Boshoga was deeply involved in drug manufacturing, claiming he lent him R5 million to purchase a drug-processing machine. Matlala stated Boshoga disappeared while collecting chemicals for such operations.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has described the case as sensitive and advanced, involving a multidisciplinary team. INTERPOL assists with cross-border elements, including possible Mozambican links. National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola has overseen the probe amid challenges, including re-allocations within the force.
False social media claims of Boshoga being found dead have been dismissed by authorities. The family continues to plead for his safe return amid widespread concern over South Africa’s rising kidnappings.
Anyone with information on Boshoga’s whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stop at 08600 10111. Someone, somewhere, knows something.
