In recent days, a 27-year-old blogger named Zeng from mainland China was reported to have been kidnapped by a Chinese blogger in Tanzania and had both legs broken, sparking attention online.
According to reports from “Red Star News,” Zeng, who goes by the online alias “Zeng Loses the Housekeeper,” is from Zijin County, Bijie, Guizhou. A Chinese businessman named Ding in Tanzania said the incident occurred on November 20. The suspect, Zhao Yang, who is a long-term blogger known for documenting the local customs and culture in Tanzania, invited Zeng to a remote tribe for filming purposes. After filming, Zhao suddenly confiscated Zeng’s phone, used electric batons to beat him, and then detained him for seven days.
Ding stated that Zhao intended for Zeng to use his influence as a blogger to publish false investment information, deceive domestic entrepreneurs into visiting Tanzania for inspections, and extract money through fraudulent means, but Zeng strongly refused.
A copy of the local police’s report provided by Ding shows that the details of the crime included “Armed Robbery,” with Zeng sustaining multiple bruises and injuries to his face and body from blunt force.
It was reported that the suspect, Zhao Yang, had 279,000 followers on his short video account, which has since been made private.
On November 28, according to “Viewpoint News,” Zeng, who is receiving treatment at a local hospital, stated that his physical condition has improved significantly, but he is still unable to get out of bed, hoping to return to China for further treatment as soon as possible.
Recalling the incident, Zeng mentioned that at 4 a.m. that day, their car was driving halfway when Zhao sprayed pepper spray on him while he was not paying attention. After the pepper spray, he was beaten and shocked with electric batons, resulting in his legs being broken. He was then tied up, thrown into the trunk, and later locked in a hotel, where he was confined for seven days.
The report mentioned that Zhao also took Zeng’s phone and attempted to apply for a loan online, which was unsuccessful. Subsequently, Zhao took his personal items such as his phone and passport, and transferred over 18,000 yuan from his bank account. He also threatened to deceive Zeng’s family and friends into coming to Tanzania and recorded a coerced video of apology. Seven days later, while Zhao was transferring him, Zeng jumped out of the car to escape and was rescued by local residents who took him to the hospital.
After the incident, Zeng reported to the local police, but currently, Zhao Yang is still on the run.