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A 33-year-old truck driver was allegedly kidnapped and tortured by four armed men in Komatipoort, near the Lebombo border while waiting to cross into Mozambique.
The Eastern Cape truck driver was allegedly kidnapped on Thursday and escaped the same day in the evening.
According to Brigadier Selvy Mohlala, spokesperson for the Mpumalanga provincial police, the driver alighted from the truck to get some food while waiting in line with other trucks destined to cross from South Africa into Mozambique via the Lebombo border post.
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“As he was returning to the truck it is alleged that a group of about four male suspects armed with a firearm, pangas, as well as knives forcefully grabbed him then took him to the nearby bushes.
“Upon arrival in the bushes it is further alleged that his hands and feet were tied and was allegedly assaulted by his assailants where he reportedly sustained some injuries to his head and other parts of his body. Further to that his mobile phone was allegedly used by the suspects to cash in from his bank account,” Mohlala said.
“Thereafter the suspects allegedly ensured that the victim’s family transferred more cash for the sake of his freedom. Fortunately, on the same evening (8 December 2022) the truck driver somehow got away after being left by the suspects with one of their own.
“It is said that he could barely walk but managed to make it to the road and got assistance from other truck drivers.”
He said a kidnapping case has been opened at the Komatipoort police station. So far, no one has been arrested, but police are on the lookout for the suspects.
He urged members of the public to come forward with information that could aid in the arrest of the perpetrators by dialing 08600 10111 or sending information via MYSAPSAPP. All information received will be treated as confidential, and callers may choose to remain anonymous.
Meanwhile, Mpumalanga police have denied reports that another truck driver was kidnapped and held for ransom of R50,000.
“The police refute such claims as unfounded and untrue. However truck drivers are advised if possible not to leave their trucks (unless it is compelling for them to do so) while waiting to be attended to by the officials working at Lebombo Border Post. While police and other law enforcement are working hard to bring perpetrators who target truck drivers at the border when they move out of their trucks, drivers should also work hand in hand with the authorities for their safety,” he said.