The man was found with a strap around his leg, lying on the pavement with just a small blanket in his possession.

He claims to be from Bethal where he says he owns a home. The man who identified himself as Thomas Tshela says he was assaulted and driven to Middelburg from Bethal by his assailants.

He was admitted to hospital where he claims he was shackled to the bed by hospital staff. He has a large, stitched up wound on the top of his head, and multiple abrasions on his body. He also has a shoulder injury.

The man was supplied with clothes and food and the SAPS were alerted to escort him to Middelburg Hospital for observation.