Suspected Body of Kidnapped Businessman
The body suspected to be that of Roger Brijlal, a Milnerton businessman kidnapped nearly two weeks ago, was discovered on Tuesday, 16 September 2025, in Philippi East, according to Western Cape police. The remains were traced to the Salt River mortuary, but formal identification is still pending, leaving the case shrouded in uncertainty. The 59-year-old vanished on 9 September 2025 near his home, sparking a desperate search after his abandoned VW Amarok was found in Joe Slovo. Western Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg confirmed that the Provincial Organised Crime Investigation and the Multi-Disciplinary Anti-Kidnapping Task Team are probing both the kidnapping and a potential murder, with no arrests made yet. As South Africa reflects on Heritage Day, 24 September 2025, this tragic development underscores the ongoing battle against crime and the pain it inflicts on families across communities.
Brijlal’s disappearance raised alarms due to his health issues—hypertension and asthma—and lack of medication, heightening fears for his safety. The case took a grim turn with ransom demands, pointing to a calculated abduction that has left his loved ones devastated.
Discovery and Investigation Details
Twigg provided an update on the grim find: “Kindly be advised that Provincial Organised Crime Investigation, Multi-Disciplinary Anti-Kidnapping Task Team detectives are investigating a kidnapping case, registered at Milnerton SAPS on 9 September 2025, involving a 59-year-old male. On Tuesday, detectives traced the body of an as-yet-unidentified man to the Salt River mortuary.”
The body was located in Philippi East on 16 September but only linked to the case later. “At this stage, it is too early to release further details, as a formal identification is still pending. Both the kidnapping and the murder cases remain under active investigation,” Twigg added. The distance between Milnerton and Philippi East, about 30 km, suggests the kidnappers moved him far from the abduction site.
Police are treating this as a potential homicide tied to the ransom demands, with forensic experts working to confirm the identity. No suspects have been named, but the task team is following leads.
Brijlal’s Disappearance and Health Concerns
A source close to Brijlal shared the early panic: “He’s a creature of habit. He would communicate with his family and co-workers early in the morning, but he didn’t that morning. Concern grew throughout the morning when attempts to reach him failed.” By afternoon, a missing persons case was opened, and his vehicle was recovered abandoned in Joe Slovo, a nearby informal settlement.
The source highlighted Brijlal’s vulnerabilities: “The other problem is that he is not in the best of health. Even though he is known for being a strong person, he doesn’t have any form of medication with him. The kidnappers may have been watching him for some time. It could be an ex-employee who took him, or it could be anyone.” His conditions—hypertension and asthma—could have worsened without treatment, adding urgency to the search.
Ransom Demands and Public Appeal
Twigg confirmed a chilling twist: “The complainant then received a telephone call demanding a ransom for the victim’s safe return. The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation, and arrests are yet to be made.” This suggests a targeted crime, possibly by a group familiar with Brijlal’s routine or wealth.
The source pleaded for help: “The community can help us find him 100%. That’s where the information could come from. This is very painful for the family; they are desperate to find him, and they want to bring him back home.” Police urge anyone with information to contact Crime Stop anonymously at 08600 10111.
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