Family concerned about safety of Vosloorus 'kidnap' victim
Three individuals have been taken in for questioning, according to police.
The family of 27-year-old Mazwi Kubheka, the Vosloorus man who was reported missing on April 2 and found a month later, told Boksburg Advertiser yesterday (May 4) they’re now concerned for his safety.
Kubheka, a spaza shop operator, was allegedly kidnapped while on his way to a bank and reportedly held captive in a hijacked building in Kensington before being released near Carnival City on May 2, still blindfolded.
A passing motorist drove Kubheka back to Vosloorus, where he later reported to the Vosloorus Police Station before being taken to the hospital for medical treatment.
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His sister, Nomhle Kubheka, raised concerns about his safety, alleging that he was discharged from Botshelong Hospital in Vosloorus without a police escort.
She said they believe they were followed by suspicious vehicles when they left the hospital.
They are relieved to have Mazwi safely back home, confirming he has been reunited with loved ones and is surrounded by friends and relatives as he focuses on his recovery and emotional well-being.
At a media briefing at the police station on May 3, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, accompanied by SAPS provincial commissioner Tommy Mthombeni, said police are pursuing leads that could expose those responsible for the kidnapping.
He added that progress in the case may also help resolve other related incidents.
Three individuals have been taken in for questioning, according to police.
“We can confirm that information gathered suggests the culprits are a combination of South Africans, Ethiopians and Malawians,” said Lesufi.
“Investigations are underway to determine whether the crime is linked to spaza shop operations or if it is purely criminal activity.
“We can also confirm that hijacked buildings are being used, and that two Malawian nationals were guarding the premises where the victim was reportedly held.”
Police have thanked the community, media and other stakeholders for their assistance in circulating the missing person alert.
Authorities also reiterated that there is no waiting period to report a missing person.
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