JOHANNESBURG — A Jewish South African researcher was abducted and killed in a case that has led to the arrest of five suspects, according to News24.

Authorities said Steven Gruzd, a senior researcher at the South African Institute of International Affairs, was abducted after attending a meeting in Johannesburg on Thursday evening, March 27, in what officials described as an “express kidnapping,” a term used for abductions carried out for ransom or theft over a short period of time.

It is with great sorrow that we announce the untimely passing of Steven Gruzd, Head of the African Governance and Diplomacy Programme at SAIIA.

An integral part of the Institute, Steve was known for his unwavering dedication to his work and his commitment to the policy… pic.twitter.com/QvEhvKSEbL

— South African Institute of International Affairs (@SAIIA_info) March 28, 2026

Police later recovered Gruzd’s body following a coordinated search operation involving law enforcement and community security groups. According to investigators, one of the suspects led authorities to the location after being taken into custody.

Gruzd, described as a Jewish South African intellectual and head of the institute’s African Governance and Diplomacy Programme, was reported missing shortly after he disappeared at around 6:30 p.m., prompting an urgent search effort.

The Community Security Organisation (CSO) said Gruzd’s family alerted them after his disappearance and that initial assessments indicated a kidnapping for ransom and theft. The group said there were no immediate indications he was targeted for his Jewish identity.

CSO also said none of the suspects arrested in the case have been linked to terrorist organizations or extremist motives.

The South African Institute of International Affairs described Gruzd as a “brilliant mind” and a “gentle spirit,” saying his death leaves a significant void in both the institution and the broader policy community.

Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing.