ACSU reaction members from Hendrina helped with the arrest of a suspect after they discovered a deceased man in the boot of a vehicle linked to the kidnapping of a businessman in Eastdene.

Shots fired in Eastdene spark emergency alert

According to several reliable sources and information from emergency WhatsApp groups the incident unfolded earlier tonight when shots were fired at a house in Eastdene. It was later said that blood and approximately four bullet casings were found at the scene.

At around 17:30, a woman frantically called for help on local emergency groups. She spoke of a child that had been taken, but later became clear that the abducters had fired at both a father and his son, who are both adult men.

Emergency groups circulated lookout information stating that a child had been abducted and that the attackers were travelling in a silver Audi A4. Security footage later revealed both the front and rear registration plates on the Audi were false.

According to another reliable source, the kidnappers used two vehicles: the silver Audi A4 and a dark charcoal-coloured vehicle. The darker vehicle reportedly took the old Belfast road in an attempt to confuse those following, while the Audi headed down the N11 towards Hendrina. That is where the situation unravelled.

ACSU reaction officers react

ACSU (Anti Crime Security Unit) reaction officers Sizwe Madonsela and Bradley Mokoena, from Hendrina were on high alert after hearing about the kidnapping. Intelligence indicated the suspect vehicle was on the N11 en route to Hendrina.

Shortly afterwards, they received word that the Audi had turned around and driven into a gravel road on a farm about 25km from Middelbug. Madonsela and Mokoena immediately responded to the location.

On arrival, they encountered members of the public who had followed the vehicle but were unwilling to approach it. The car remained visible from the N11. Several eyewitnesses told the officers they had seen two persons jump from the vehicle.

Body discovered in boot; drone assists manhunt

Approaching with caution, the reaction officers checked the silver Audi A4. Inside the boot, they discovered a body.

With the scene secured, Madonsela and Mokoena coordinated with other units to launch a drone. The aerial search swept the surrounding veld and farm roads for the suspects who had fled on foot.

The operation led to the arrest of one suspect shortly afterwards. The second suspect remains at large at the time of writing.

According to one of the sources the police are still on the scene.

Police response pending

The Observer contacted Colonel Mavela Masondo from the Provincial Office earlier tonight for comment on the incident. He stated that he was not yet aware of the matter and would respond once he had received the information, either tonight or tomorrow morning.