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Abduction and Extortion of Mr CVN Scholtz,
Deputy High Commissioner
Nicky Scholtz, Counselor and Deputy High Commissioner
of the South African High Commission in Malaysia, was
violently abducted on Sunday 23 May 2004 along Jalan
Ampang, between the KLCC Suria and the Hotel Nikko,
in what appears to have been a random attack on the
mistaken assumption that he was a solitary foreign tourist.
In his effort to resist his abduction, he was beaten
while shouting for assistance from passerby. While his
abductors sped away with his left leg still protruding
from the open door, they tried repeatedly to slam the
door closed on his leg. He was subsequently confined
with the purpose of brutally extorting money from him
at times threatened with a knife, bound with wire cables,
repeatedly tortured and on more than one occasion his
captors threatened to kill him. These assaults resulted
in at least two fractured ribs, temporary dislocation
of his jaw, severe bruising on his back and bruising
to his face, arms and legs.
The amount of money extorted from Mr. Scholtz was approximately
RM 16,00.00 (South African Rand ZAR21 373.00 plus RM3,
500.00), while they were unable to access an additional
amount of approximately RM3, 00.00 (ZAR5, 174.00)
His captors released him - on threat of death - only
on condition that he would leave Malaysia without reporting
any of his experiences to his colleagues or the Malaysian
authorities. That he chose to do so - in spite of the
threats to his life, threats that the South African
High Commission also views as credible and immediate
- justifies the high regard in which Mr. Scholtz is
held by his employers, colleagues, family and friends.
Under the circumstances, the South African High Commission
is concerned that some of the sensationalist, sometimes
misleading and at times factually blatantly incorrect
reporting that has accompanied this very serious case
may be unhelpful in assisting the Malaysian authorities
in resolving the matter speedily and effectively. The
South African High Commission continues to work closely
with al the Malaysian authorities and wishes to reiterate
their call for any witnesses, whether those witnesses
to the abduction itself or subsequently, to come forward
with any information that may assist in bringing this
very unfortunate incident to a successful and speedy
resolution.
Further enquiries can be directed to M Ronnie Mamoepa
@ 082 990 4853
Issued on behalf of the South African High Commission
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
The Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001
1 June 2004
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