Africa’s youngest billionaire regains freedom a week after kidnap
Mohammed Dewji, Tanzania’s only billionaire who was kidnapped by gunmen over a week ago, has regained freedom.
Dewji had been whisked away by his abductors as he entered the gym of a hotel in Dar es Salaam on October 11.
The 43-year-old who is ranked by Forbes as Africa’s youngest billionaire was released early Saturday in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s economic capital. He is estimated to be worth $1.5 billion and ranked in 17th place on the list of Africa’s billionaires.
“His abductors abandoned him and he was able to phone his father,” Dewji’s uncle, Azim Dewji said, adding that he was in good health.
Dewji, a father of three, said following his release that he has returned home.
“I thank Allah that I have returned home safely. I thank all my fellow Tanzanians, and everyone around the world for their prayers,” he said in a tweet on Saturday.
“I thank the authorities of Tanzania, including the Police Force for working for my safe return.”
It’s not stated if any ransom was paid for his release, but police authorities say they were on the trail of the driver of a vehicle used in the kidnapping and investigation was ongoing.
