The man whose body was discovered in the boot of a silver Audi on a farm along the N11 Hendrina road last night was allegedly shot during the violent abduction that took place hours earlier in Eastdene.

A reliable source told the Middelburg Observer this morning that video footage of the abduction has been handed to the police.

According to information received from an anonymous source who saw the video, the man had returned from the mosque at about 17:20 and was ambushed by his attackers outside his home.

The footage reportedly shows the man attempting to escape before being chased by about four attackers armed with handguns and an AK-47 rifle.

It is said that the footage showed that the struggled with the men, but was overpowered and forced into the boot of the Audi. The attackers then attempted to close the boot, but the victim repeatedly pushed it open from the inside.

When he opened it again, he was allegedly shot at close range with the AK-47 before the boot was shut and the suspects drove away.

After police forensic teams examined the scene on the farm where the body was found, investigators returned to the corner of Medina and Esfahan streets in Eastdene, where the abduction took place. The police remained at the scene until around midnight, collecting evidence.

A source (who also wants to stay anonymous) told the newspaper last night that there were at least four AK-47 bullets found on the scene.

• An enquiry was sent to the provincial police media office last night. Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo said he would provide further information once it had been relayed to him.