Security cordon as hunt for abducted Tanzania billionaire Mohammed Dewji on

What you need to know:

Tanzanian billionaire  Mohammed Dewji was kidnapped today morning by unidentified people at hotel, when he was attending an exercises.

Dar es Salaam. 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 shockwaves 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 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. 

Eye witnesses said four unidentified people arrived before the businessman and parked at the hotel. Another vehicle remained outside.

An Uber driver nearby said when Mr Dewji appeared, the car parked insider flashed lights before the two white men alighted from their vehicle and went straight where Dewji was.

They then pulled him into their car and sped off while shooting in the air.

 Dar es Salaam regional commissioner Paul Makonda was among government officials who arrived at the scene when the news broke. He appealed for support and warned against speculations.

Mr Dewji is worth $2 billion, according to Forbes who profiled him recently.