A 30-year-old man narrowly escaped death after both of his hands were amputated by about six suspects whilst walking on the road in the early hours of Wednesday morning, 20 March 2024.
According to a report, the victim was accosted by these men who were driving in a green Opel Corsa bakkie which appeared behind him.
The victim was walking on the Kroomdraai Road towards Extension 16 in Vosman near Witbank.
The suspects pointed him with a firearm, grabbed and forced him into the bakkie where they tied both his hands and legs.
The suspects somehow communicated the message to him, that they were going to kill him and according to the victim, that was the only thing he could hear from these men.
They then drove with him into the bushes and upon arrival, they alighted from the said bakkie.
It was during this period when the armed men chopped his hands, and as if that was not enough, they took both his hands and fled, leaving him behind in despair.
The victim suffered excruciating pain and bled profusely however, the security officers came to his aid.
Police as well as medical personnel were also summoned to the scene and the victim was taken for medical treatment.
The victim is currently admitted in hospital meanwhile Police opened a case of attempted murder and are in pursuit of the suspects.
Apart from this investigation, Police seized the opportunity to sensitise the public about unscrupulous individuals whose actions can only be described as evil.
Police urge anyone with information that may assist in finding the suspects, to contact Detective Lieutenant Colonel Muntu Mbatha at 0826008537 or call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111 or send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
Meanwhile the Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has vowed to ensure that perpetrators thereof are hunted down and be brought to book. “Though the victim was not killed however the acts committed by the suspects are heartless and should be strongly condemned in the strongest possible way,” said the General.
