An alleged victim (30) of kidnapping has been rescued by the police from Middleburg. Four suspects aged between 18 and 29 were arrested by the said members for allegedly kidnapping and robbing the victim who was found naked.
The incident reportedly occurred on Saturday, 10 December 2022 around 02:30.
It is alleged that on that day, the victim was from a local tarven in Plot 18 Vaalbank Middleburg when a white car emerged with four suspects inside, three males and one female who had a baby. It is said that they pretended to be seeking for direction to another tarven. The victim was requested to board their vehicle in order to properly show them the directions.
After getting inside the car, it is said that the suspects took a different direction and further demanded cash as well as some of his valuables whilst he was severely beaten by these people.
It is also reported that they drove on a gravel road and stopped next to a certain bridge and that is when he was allegedly stripped naked. Once they were done it is said that the female suspect discouraged her accomplices who suggested that he be thrown into water. They then got into their vehicle taking the still naked victim with them.
The members from Middelburg’s Crime Prevention Unit were doing their routine patrol duties when they noticed the said car. The men and women in Blue approached the vehicle for investigation. These members were spot-on as they sensed the smell of a rat as one of the passengers was naked.
Upon investigation it transpired that he was kidnapped and tortured.
The man was rescued whilst the four were arrested and charged for kidnapping, robbery and assault. Police cannot rule out the possibility of adding other charges as the investigation continues.
All four are expected to appear at the Middleburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 12 December 2022.
Meanwhile the Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has welcome the arrest and indicated that more boots on the ground yields positive results. The General further applauded members for remaining vigilant and true to their call of protecting the citizens. “The members did well and came at the right time to save the life of the innocent victim. We also like to caution the public to take note that suspects always try all the tricks in the book to get what they want so people should be watchful always” said the General.
