Africa’s youngest billionaire Mohammed Dewji kidnapped in Dar
Police in Tanzania have thrown a security cordon around the country as the hunt for abducted Tanzanian billionaire Mohammed Dewji got underway.
Mr Dewji popularly known as ‘Mo’ was kidnapped by unknown people early Thursday morning as he went for his routine gym session at Oyster Bay in Dar es Salaam.
He is worth US$2 billion and is the continent’s youngest billionaire, according to Forbes who profiled him recently.
WAYLAID
Reports from the scene suggest two white men and an unknown number of accomplices in two cars waylaid the prominent businessman as he walked into the exclusive Colosseum Hotel and Fitness Club, where he is a member.
Dar es Salaam special zone police commander Lazaro Mambosasa said security personnel around the county have been put on high alert in the hunt for the abductors.
It is has not been established why the businessman, 43, was abducted.
News of the incident spread fast as social media users shared the development, sending shock waves around the country.
Mr Dewji is the chief executive of Mohammed Enterprises that deals in a wide range of commercial activities. He is also the main sponsor of premier league club champions, Simba SC.
THREE PEOPLE ARRESTED
According to Mambosasa, three people have been arrested in connection to the incident. The police said all entry points around airports and other exit points have been closed.
Initial details said Mr Dewji was taken by the suspects in a Toyota Surf vehicle that drove to unknown place.
“We do not know who these white men are but investigations have started. What we know is that the trader was abducted as he came into the hotel.
The police boss said the suspects fired in the air as they drove away with Mr Dewji.
Eye witnesses said four unidentified people arrived before the businessman and parked at the hotel. Another vehicle remained outside.
An Uber driver nearby said when Mr Dewji appeared, the car parked inside flashed lights before the two white men alighted from their vehicle and went straight to where Dewji was.
They then pulled him into their car and sped off while shooting in the air.
Dar es Salaam regional commissioner Paul Makonda was among government officials who arrived at the scene.