The Enigma of Jerry Boshoga: From Pretoria Entrepreneur to Centre of a Kidnapping Saga
PRETORIA – The disappearance of Pretoria businessman Jerry Boshoga on 18 November 2024, following a business meeting at a KFC outlet in Centurion, has unravelled a complex web of business dealings and alleged criminal associations, captivating the nation. Boshoga’s name, once confined to Pretoria’s business circles, has now become synonymous with one of South Africa’s most high-profile kidnapping cases, raising questions about his true identity and the source of his wealth.
Before his abduction thrust him into the national spotlight, Jerry Boshoga had cultivated an image as a successful entrepreneur with diverse business interests. Operating primarily from Pretoria, he built a reputation as a hardworking tender entrepreneur. His ventures included a VIP protection service company, catering to high-profile clients requiring specialised security services, and a foray into farming, showcasing a diversified portfolio typical of ambitious South African entrepreneurs.
Boshoga’s financial success was further highlighted by his lifestyle choices, including the purchase of a Porsche worth R6 million. This conspicuous display of wealth positioned him within Pretoria’s business elite, where government tenders and private security services often intersect with political and commercial networks.
The events leading up to Boshoga's disappearance paint a picture of a routine business engagement gone awry. Boshoga was reportedly kidnapped after attending what appeared to be a routine business meeting at a KFC outlet in Wierdapark, Centurion. His younger brother drove him to the meeting, waiting outside while Boshoga went inside to conduct his business. That was the last confirmed sighting of the entrepreneur who had built his fortune through determination and strategic business relationships.
However, the narrative took a darker turn with the emergence of alleged gangster Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala, who claimed Boshoga was involved in activities beyond his legitimate businesses. Matlala’s persistent mention of Boshoga’s name – associated with drugs and other crimes – prompted the inevitable question in the minds of many: Who is Jerry Boshoga?
This week, suspected gangster Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala – a close friend to Boshoga and also a suspect in the kidnapping – painted a complex picture of Boshoga’s alleged involvement in activities beyond his legitimate businesses. He said Boshoga was involved in drug manufacturing. On the day of his disappearance, he was due to collect drug manufacturing ingredients.
Matlala said he had lent Boshoga R5 million to purchase what he described as a drug-processing machine. Matlala’s testimony to a parliamentary ad hoc committee investigating allegations of complicity between senior members of the police and some of the country’s top crime bosses, further implicated Boshoga in illicit activities, alleging his involvement in drug manufacturing.
The kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of R60 million for Boshoga’s safe return, a sum that prompted further questions about the extent of his wealth and the reasons behind such a high demand. Was it because they knew how rich he was, and if so, how had he made his money? The ransom demands were later reduced to R25 million, and finally to R10 million.
Despite these reductions, Boshoga’s family found themselves unable to meet the ransom demands. This highlighted the gap between perceived wealth and liquid assets available during crisis situations. The kidnappers sent disturbing videos to the family – tactics that demonstrated the sophisticated and ruthless nature of the criminal operation.
Through extensive media reports and revelations from the Madlanga Commission, Boshoga’s profile emerges as that of a man caught between legitimate business success and alleged criminal associations. The kidnapping has exposed a hidden side to the Pretoria businessman, raising serious questions about his dealings and the true nature of his empire. As investigations continue, the mystery surrounding Jerry Boshoga deepens, leaving the public to wonder whether he is a legitimate entrepreneur or a figure deeply entrenched in South Africa’s criminal underworld.
Follow Us on Twitter
