"PAY OR HE DIES": The Terrifying Moment a Benoni Man Watched His Brother's Torture on a Video Call
In a chilling incident, a local man was forced to watch his brother being brutally beaten with sjamboks during a live video call. The kidnappers issued a terrifying ultimatum: pay R10,000 immediately, or they would kill his brother.
The victim, identified only as Jacob’s brother, was snatched in broad daylight in what appears to be a rising trend of "low-ransom" kidnappings that use extreme violence and technology to extort money from desperate families.
A Nightmare on Screen
The ordeal began when Jacob received a call that no one ever wants to answer. Instead of a voice on the other end, he was met with a live video feed that showed his brother tied up and surrounded by armed men.
The kidnappers didn't waste any time. They began beating the victim with sjamboks—heavy leather whips—right in front of the camera. Jacob was forced to listen to his brother’s screams and watch the brutal assault in real-time.
"They didn't want to talk; they just wanted the money," Jacob told reporters. "They told me, 'Pay R10,000, or we kill your brother.' It was like something out of a horror movie, but it was happening to my own family."
The Rise of "Low-Ransom" Kidnappings
While high-profile kidnappings for millions of rands often make the headlines, police and security experts are increasingly concerned about these smaller, more violent cases. In these incidents, criminals target everyday people and demand amounts that families might be able to scrape together quickly, like R5,000 or R10,000.
By using live video calls, the kidnappers put immense psychological pressure on the family. The sight of a loved one being tortured in real-time often leads families to pay the money immediately without involving the police, which is exactly what the criminals want.
"These groups are becoming more bold and more cruel," says a local security analyst. "They know that a live video of a beating is more effective than any verbal threat. It’s a way to bypass negotiations and get the cash fast."
The Benoni Investigation
The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Benoni has confirmed that they are investigating the case. While the victim has reportedly been released after a harrowing ordeal, the trauma for the family remains.
Police units, including Crime Intelligence and the Anti-Kidnapping team, are working to track down the syndicate behind this attack. There are concerns that this group may be responsible for other similar incidents in the East Rand area.
"We are following several leads," a police spokesperson said. "This is a serious crime, and we are doing everything we can to bring these individuals to justice. We urge the public to report any suspicious activity and to come forward if they have any information about this case."
A Community in Fear
For the residents of Benoni, this incident is a stark reminder of the safety challenges facing the country. The fact that someone can be kidnapped in broad daylight and then tortured on a video call has left many feeling vulnerable.
"It makes you scared to even walk to the shop," says one Benoni resident. "If they can do this for R10,000, no one is safe. We need more police on the streets and more action against these gangs."
How to Stay Safe
Experts advise that if a loved one is kidnapped, the first step should always be to contact the police. While the pressure to pay is immense, paying the ransom often leads to further demands and does not guarantee the safe return of the victim.
• Report it immediately: Call the SAPS or a trusted security company.
• Don't negotiate alone: Let trained professionals handle the communication with the kidnappers.
• Stay calm: As hard as it is, staying calm can help you provide better information to the authorities.
As Jacob and his brother begin the long road to recovery, the community of Benoni is left wondering who will be next. The "wow" factor of this story isn't just the violence—it's the cold, calculated way that technology was used to turn a family's love into a weapon of extortion.
