Steven Gruzd, an intellectual South African Jew, was found dead on Friday after being kidnapped for ransom and theft, in what South African authorities described as an "express kidnapping."
According to the Jewish Community Security Organization (CSO), Grudz disappeared at around 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 27, and was found lifeless two days later by the police.
The South African news outlet News24 reported that five individuals were arrested in connection with the kidnapping and murder of Gruzd, with one of the suspects being the one who told officials of the location of the body.
The CSO said that the incident was being investigated as a criminal situation and not as an antisemitic event, with no clear patterns showing that Gruzd was targeted for being Jewish.
According to the report, the victim's family alerted the Community Active Protection (CAP) and CSO, with both organizations determining that it was an express kidnapping.
CSO also clarified that none of the arrested suspects had links with terror organizations or terrorist motives.
South African Institute of International Affairs mourns death of Grudz
The South African Institute of International Affairs, of which Grudz was the Head of the African Governance and Diplomacy Programme, mourned his death.
"An integral part of the Institute, Steve was known for his unwavering dedication to his work and his commitment to the policy community in Africa. We will miss his brilliant mind, his deep camaraderie, and his gentle spirit," the institute said.
"His absence leaves a significant void at SAIIA and across the continent he served so passionately. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Steve’s family, friends, and all those who had the pleasure of working alongside him. May his soul rest in peace," the SAIIA added.