A prominent Jewish researcher in South Africa was kidnapped and murdered in a chilling ransom plot that unfolded over just a few days, shocking the local Jewish community.

The victim, Steven Gruzd, a senior researcher at the South African Institute of International Affairs, was abducted in Johannesburg on the evening of Thursday, March 27, according to local reports.

Authorities believe the kidnapping was part of a fast-moving “express kidnapping” operation, where criminals abduct victims and quickly attempt to extract money or valuables. Shortly after his disappearance, security groups and law enforcement launched an urgent search effort, and as time passed, they began to fear the worst.

By Saturday, just two days later, the situation took a tragic turn. Police located Gruzd’s body after arresting a suspect connected to the case. Investigators said the suspect led authorities directly to the location during questioning.

In total, five suspects were arrested, indicating that the group was involved in both the kidnapping and the killing. Early findings suggest the attack was financially motivated, with no current evidence pointing to antisemitism as a factor.

Gruzd was widely respected in diplomatic and academic circles. He headed the African Governance and Diplomacy Programme at the institute and was known for his work on African political systems and international relations. Colleagues described him as a “leading voice” in his field and someone deeply committed to research and public policy.