Tanzania's abducted young billionaire found safe: police

DAR ES SALAAM - Tanzanian police said Saturday that kidnapped young billionaire Mohammed Dewji was found safe earlier in the day.

"The young business tycoon was found abandoned at the Gymkana Club in Dar es Salaam city at around 2:30 am (2330 GMT Friday)," said Lazaro Mambosasa, the Dar es Salaam Special Police Zone Commander.

The vehicle used during the abduction was also found abandoned nearby along Ocean Road, the police chief said.

Azim Dewji, spokesman for the family, also confirmed the young businessman was abandoned at the golf course at around 2:30 am before he called his father using a mobile phone.

The spokesman said the family was pleased that the business tycoon was back and looked healthy. He said they appreciated President John Magufuli's help during the search.

"Mohamed Dewji is 100 percent fit. He looks fine, only that he may be troubled psychologically because of the harrowing experience," said the spokesman.

The businessman who is said to be the youngest billionaire in Africa was kidnapped on Oct.11 by gunmen in Dar es Salaam's Oysterbay area where he had gone for his usual morning workout.

On Friday, Tanzania's Inspector General of Police Simon Sirro said police have identified a vehicle used to abduct the billionaire.

Sirro said the vehicle came from a neighbouring country, but did not specify further.

The official also displayed a photo showing the dark blue and silver lined vehicle.

"The vehicle entered into Tanzania on Sept. 1, 2018," said the police chief.

Sirro did not indicate which border point the vehicle entered through but he said it was driven by a person he identified as Obasanjo Zacharias Junior.

Sirro said according to CCTV footage, the AGX 404 MC-plate numbered vehicle used the Haile Selassie, Ally Hassan Mwinyi, Kimeri, Maandazi and Mwai Kibaki roads before disappearing near the Kawe roundabout.