Three men snatched Zhaun Ahmed, 71, the owner of Zhaun’s in Woodstock, on Tuesday afternoon, July 25.

Family spokesperson Hanif Loonat on Monday confirmed that the Ahmeds were contacted on July 27, and were assured that Ahmed was “fine”.

He would not divulge the contents of the conversation, saying the information was sensitive.

“We are relieved he is okay. The Ahmeds are a close knit family and are distressed because they didn’t expect something like this to happen to them,” he said.

Ahmed and his driver were in his vehicle when a double-cab bakkie pulled up behind them.

Police said three men threatened him with a gun and forced him into the bakkie, driving off in the direction of Victoria Road, Woodstock. The bakkie was found abandoned in the same street.

The elderly businessman has medical issues, which Loonat hoped were being “taken into consideration”.

“The family is asking the public to pray for his safe return and assist with any information they may have of his whereabouts,” Loonat said.

He would not confirm whether Ahmed’s abductors made a ransom demand and maintained the motive for the kidnapping remained unclear.

Anyone with information on the kidnapping is urged to phone Warrant Officer David Miles on 021 486 2840 (between 07:00 and 15:30), Sergeant Malila on 082 499 3871 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111. DM