Eight nabbed for kidnapping

JOHANNESBURG - Eight people, five men and three women, have been arrested in Strand in the Western Cape after allegedly hijacking and assaulting a man, police said on Sunday.

They allegedly hijacked a 34-year-old man early on Sunday morning on the corners of Broadlands Road and 5th Street in Strand, Inspector Godfrey Tawana said in a statement.

They allegedly got into his car when he stopped at a stop sign and threatened him with a knife. He was forced to drive to a house in 6th Street, where he was assaulted. The gang robbed him of his cellphone, R1700 cash, passport and bank cards.

He managed to escape from the house and contacted the police. The suspects, between the ages of 16 and 27, were arrested after the victim pointed them out to the police.

They will appear in the Strand Magistrate’s Court soon on charges of armed robbery, hijacking, kidnapping and assault.

- Sapa