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Police in Mpumalanga has rescued a 30-year-old man who was allegedly kidnapped by people who asked him to accompany them to a tavern in order to give them directions.
“Four suspects aged between 18 and 29 were arrested by the said members (police officers) for allegedly kidnapping and robbing the victim, who was found naked.
“The incident reportedly occurred on Saturday, December 10, 2022, around 2.30am,” said Mpumalanga police spokesperson Brigadier Selvy Mohlala.
On that day, the victim is said to have been walking back from a tavern in Plot 18 in Vaalbank, Middleburg, when he was approached by a white car. There were four men and a woman with a baby inside.
It is said that the occupants of the car pretended to be looking for directions to another tavern. The 30-year-old man was asked to get into the car “in order to properly show” them the way to the tavern.
“After getting inside the car, it is said that the suspects took a different direction and further demanded cash as well as some of his valuables whilst he was severely beaten.
“It is also reported that they drove on a gravel road and stopped next to a certain bridge and that is when he was allegedly stripped naked,” said Mohlala.
“Once they were done it is said that the female suspect discouraged her accomplices who suggested that he be thrown into water. They then got into their vehicle with the suspect still naked.”
Officers from Middelburg’s Crime Prevention Unit were on a routine patrol when they noticed the vehicle.
The victim was rescued, and the assailants were arrested on suspicion of kidnapping, robbery, and assault.
The four alleged attackers are due to appear in Middleburg Magistrate’s Court today.