Two suspected illegal miners are behind bars for allegedly kidnapping, assaulting and robbing a man.
Captain Solomon Sibiya, the Kagiso Police spokesperson said two friends were walking in an open field in Tshepisong Phase 7 at about 10am on 11 March when they were approached by three thugs armed with firearms.
“They charged at the victims and fired shots. One of the victims managed to flee unharmed. The other victim, however, was caught and assaulted with a firearm until he fell to the ground. An undisclosed amount of cash was stolen from his pockets,” said Captain Sibiya.
The suspects, all Basotho foreign nationals, then forced the man into his friend’s vehicle and drove him to a stream near some bushes where he was further assaulted. They left him near the stream.
Later he managed to get up and walk to his home. He then reported the incident to the Kagiso Police where a case of kidnapping and armed robbery was opened. A manhunt for the three armed suspects was launched, and police had a breakthrough when a tip-off about two of the suspects came in. The two, aged 28 and 34, were cornered and apprehended.
“The third suspect is still on the run as the police search further.”
The police appealed to anyone in the community with information that could lead to the arrest of the remaining suspect to contact them. The Kagiso Police can be contacted on 011 696 9059, 011 696 9065 or 011 696 9067; alternatively contact the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111.
The two suspects will appear in the Kagiso Magistrates’ Court. Sibiya said one of them was also facing charges of being in the country illegally.
