Police are in possession of disturbing footage of the kidnapping and shooting of a Middelburg businessman yesterday, according to a reliable source.

The body of Nasir Mahmood, a well-known figure in the local business community and owner of two stores, was found less than two hours after his abduction from outside his Eastdene home.

Meanwhile, in Mbombela, police are investigating an incident outside the Shandon Eco Reserve where a man allegedly disappeared after a collision and shooting, though authorities have not confirmed it as a kidnapping.

Man grabbed outside Middelburg home

Anti Crime Security Unit (ACSU) reaction members from Hendrina helped with the arrest of a suspect after they discovered Mahmood’s body in the boot of a vehicle in rural Hendrina, less than an hour from Middelburg.

Middelburg Observer reported earlier that Mahmood was allegedly shot. A reliable source, who asked not to be named, told the newspaper this morning that video footage of the incident has been handed to the police.

According to the source, who saw the video, Mahmood had returned from a mosque at 17:20 and was ambushed by his attackers outside his home.

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

Killed in a battle for his life

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

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

The source said that after police forensic teams examined the scene on the Hendrina farm where the body was found, investigators returned to the corner of Medina and Esfahan streets in Eastdene, where the kidnapping took place. They reportedly remained at the scene until around midnight, collecting evidence.

The source told the newspaper last night that at least four AK-47 bullets were found on the scene.

Incident unfolds

Middelburg Observer previously reported that at around 17:30, a woman frantically called for help on local emergency groups. She mistakenly spoke of a child who had been taken, but it later became clear that the kidnappers had fired at both a father and his son, both adult men.

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

According to another reliable source who cannot be named, 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.

Chase leads to grim discovery

ACSU reaction officers Sizwe Madonsela and Bradley Mokoena from Hendrina were on high alert after hearing about the kidnapping. They received word that the Audi had turned around and driven onto a gravel road on a farm about 25km from Middelburg. Madonsela and Mokoena responded.

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 people jump from the vehicle.

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

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

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

The Middelburg Observer contacted provincial police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo last night for comment. He stated that he was not yet aware of the matter and would respond once he had received the information.

Victim remembered

Abdul Kasu said this morning he had known Mahmood for about 10 years.

“We did business together when Isiswe Mills was up and running. After their closure, we had no dealings except when we met at mosques or when I frequented his stores. He lived down the road from me,” Kasu said.

He said Mahmood was well-mannered and friendly. “A well-dressed family man who was always smiling. A real gentleman.”

Incident in Mbombela

Meanwhile, also in Mpumalanga, a man is still missing after he was allegedly kidnapped in front of Shandon Eco Reserve in Mbombela on Tuesday evening.

Police declined to comment on Lowvelder’s inquiry regarding the ongoing investigation.

“Due to the seriousness of the investigation, we cannot share information, as someone’s life may be at stake,” said Masondo.

Residents living near the eco reserve reported that they heard gunshots after 20:00.

The man was reportedly on his way home with his daughter in a Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon when a Volkswagen Polo collided with their vehicle.

Both vehicles then pulled over on Von Braun Street.

According to Divergent Ops operations manager Lappies Labuschagne, one shot was allegedly fired at the G-Wagon.

A person reportedly forced the father into the Polo before fleeing the scene, and his phone was reportedly discarded to prevent tracking.

The man’s daughter escaped unharmed.

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