A man who was kidnapped outside a liquor store in Welgedacht, Springs was found two days later with a gunshot wound after he managed to escape his kidnappers.

The 41-year-old victim was about to lock up the store last Wednesday when he was ambushed by two men who dragged him into their white Audi A4.

Springs SAPS communications officer, Sergeant Themba Tshabalala, says bystanders tried to intervene but were scared off when a third man fired shots at them.

“The man fired two shots in the air and two shots in the direction of the community.

“The men then drove off with the victim in the direction of Springs town,” explains Tshabalala.

The witnesses tried to follow the car but were unsuccessful.

One of the victim’s employees reported the incident to the police.

“The victim managed to escape on Friday and was helped by strangers,” adds Tshabalala.

He had sustained a gunshot wound and is recovering in hospital.

A case of kidnapping and attempted murder has been opened.