Man was handcuffed and kept locked in toilet

Two people at the tavern were arrested at the time. A third arrest, that of the tavern owner, has since been made.

July 9, 2014

Rod Skinner 1 minute read

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

The man was apparently caught trying to break into the tavern by the owner on Thursday last week.

According to a police report, two suspects attempted to break into the tavern last Thursday. They were interrupted and fled. It is unclear as to how the victim was caught and brought back to the tavern.

Since then, the man has been kept prisoner; handcuffed and his legs tied together in the toilet area of the tavern. He was treated like an animal, being beaten regularly.

Earlier today, the Ladysmith K9 Unit, acting on a tip-off, raided the tavern and freed the man. He had severe head injuries and septic sores all over his body.

Two people at the tavern were arrested at the time. A third arrest, that of the tavern owner, has since been made.

“He is in a serious condition,” medics who treated the kidnapped man 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 victim is currently in hospital being examined to ascertain the extent of his injuries.

The three people arrested face charges of man-stealing (kidnapping) and are due to appear in the Ezakheni Magistrate’s Court soon.