A businessman kidnapped in Mbombela almost two months ago returned home safely yesterday, June 8.

Hawks Mpumalanga spokesperson Colonel Magonseni Nkosi confirmed his return and said that the investigation is ongoing. “Currently we have to engage the family, but we cannot rush as we understand their situation. As soon as everything settles down, we will have more detailed information,” he added.

READ: Mbombela businessman kidnapping: Accused allege police assault after arrest

Two suspects, aged 42 and 37, have been charged with kidnapping and attempted extortion. They are expected to appear in the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court today, June 9, for a formal bail application.

According to reports, the abduction unfolded while the man was returning home to Shandon Estate with his daughter.

His vehicle was allegedly forced to stop after a collision on Von Braun Street, where armed suspects forced him from his vehicle into theirs and fled the scene with him. The man’s daughter was reportedly left physically unharmed.

Although the victim’s identity is known to Lowvelder, the publication has chosen not to publish it for legal and ethical reasons.

The identities of the accused have also been withheld. In terms of the South African criminal justice system, the media may not publish the identities of accused persons facing extortion-related charges before they have pleaded in court.