UPDATE: Kidnapped man found dead by police in Ladysmith
A 36-year-old suspect appeared in the Ladysmith Magistrate’s Court today (January 31) in connection with a kidnapping that ended in murder.
On Saturday (January 26), a 20-year-old man was kidnapped from the Steadville area by seven men who had accused him of stealing a motor vehicle. Community members came to the victim’s assistance after hearing his cries for help as he was being assaulted. One of the suspects was apprehended by the community…
Gunshots were fired as the other suspects escaped with the victim.
The incident was reported to Ladysmith police and a case was opened. Detectives worked around the clock and established late Monday afternoon that the victim could have been killed and thrown into the Klip River.
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A search was conducted in the area, but to no avail. The Police Search & Rescue Unit was brought in early Tuesday morning and the deceased’s body was recovered. He had sustained several gunshot wounds and had been severely assaulted. The suspect who was apprehended by the community has since been arrested by Ladysmith detectives, who are investigating a case of murder. The suspect faces charges of murder and kidnapping.
Communities have been warned in the past to guard against acts of vigilantism, no matter how angry they may be. Police have also on numerous occasions appealed to communities to report all known criminals to them and allow the SAPS to investigate.
Anyone who has knowledge of the whereabouts of the outstanding suspects is urged to contact the investigating officer, Constable BX Zwane, on 0366383330 / 0824117070 or Crime Stop on 0860010111
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