The kidnapping of a truck driver near Lebombo Border Post in Mpumalanga, as well as a kidnapping incident in the area are among the issues being dealt with at the port of entry.

An unsuspecting truck driver was allegedly kidnapped on Thursday and held overnight, and his captors demanded a R50 000 ransom from his employees.

Lowvelder reports that a collaborative operation between various security officials and the victim’s employer saw the driver rescued and two men arrested.

A statement by provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Selvy Mohlala said the man had stopped his truck under a railway bridge in Komatipoort near the border on Thursday afternoon and went to buy some food.

Mohlala said when the driver returned to his truck, two armed suspects held him at gunpoint and took him into some nearby bushes.

He said the suspects had allegedly demanded a ransom of R50 000 to be deposited to them by the driver’s employer.

The various stakeholders worked tirelessly to search for the driver, but due to the rain on Thursday, the search had to be called off.

The suspects contacted the victim’s colleague as well as the employer, and made further financial demands.

The stakeholders were able to trace the driver and two men, aged 25 and 28, were arrested.

Meanwhile, in a separate incident, traffic officials have been stationed along the N4 leading up to the Lebombo Border to ensure the road is not blocked off by trucks.

The Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison is urging truck drivers to be patient and obey the rules of the road when approaching the Lebombo Border today and over the Christmas period.

The department’s spokesperson, Moeti Mmusi, said truck drivers have been violating the road rules in order to try and avoid the long queues leading up to the border post, including driving into oncoming traffic.

“We are experiencing quite a bit of lawlessness on the road, and while we understand that truck drivers have certain deadlines to meet, they cannot do so at the cost of endangering the lives of others by not obeying the laws.

“The MEC, Vusi Shongwe, has condemned these actions in the strongest possible terms and he is calling on law enforcement to force these drivers to comply with road safety,” said Mmusi.