Africa's Youngest Billionaire, Mohamed Dewji Kidnapped in Tanzania

Africa’s youngest billionaire has been kidnapped by gunmen in Dar es Salaam, according to officials.

Mohammed Dewji, 43, who is said to have a fortune of $1.5bn (£1.1bn) and is the president of MeTL Group, which operates in about 10 countries across sectors ranging from agriculture to transport and food, was abducted as he entered a hotel gym.

The regional governor, Paul Makonda, said: “Initial information indicates he was kidnapped by whites travelling in two vehicles. This kind of incident is new here.”

Police have thrown a security cordon around the country as the hunt for abducted Tanzanian billionaire Mohamed Dewji got underway.

Mr Dewji popularly known as 'Mo' was kidnapped by unknown people early in the morning today October 11, 2018, as he went for his routine gym session in Oysterbay.

Reports from the scene suggest two white men and unknown number of accomplices in two cars waylaid the businessman as he walked into the exclusive Colosseum fitness club and hotel where he is a member.

Dar es Salaam special zone police commander, Lazaro Mambosasa said security personnel around the county have been put on high alert in the hunt for the abductors.

It is not known why the multi-billionaire businessman aged 43 was abducted and police appealed for support from members of the public to report any information that may help unravel the abduction.

News of the incident spread fast as social media users shared the development which sent shock waves around the country.

Mr Dewji is the CEO of Mohammed Enterprises that deals in a wide range of commercial activities. He is also the main sponsor of premier league club champions, Simba.

According to Mambosasa, three people have been arrested in connection to the incident. The police said all entry points around airports and other exit points have been closed.

Initial details said Mr Dewji was taken by the suspects in a Toyota Surf vehicle that drove to an unknown place.

"We do not know who these white men are but investigations have started. What we know is that the trader was abducted as he came into the hotel."

The police boss said the suspects fired in the air as they drove away with Mr Dewji.

Mr Dewji is yet to be found even as Tanzanian police came out to deny reports that he had been rescued and his assailants arrested.

Source: Guardian, All Africa

Image Credit: MeTL Group