A 22-year-old man has been freed by police today after he was held prisoner by a tavern owner in Ezakheni.

The man, who was handcuffed and beaten almost daily, was freed by K9 Unit officers.

“He is in a serious condition,” medics at the scene told the Ladysmith Gazette. “The handcuffs were on so tight and for so long that he is likely to lose his hands.”  The medics asked not to be named.

The man was apparently kept prisoner for several days and treated like an animal, being beaten regularly.

He had severe head injuries and septic sores all over his body when found today. He has been rushed to the Provincial Hospital.

Police arrested two females at the tavern and are hunting for the tavern owner.

This story will be updated.