The Free State police spokesperson, Stephen Thakeng, tells OFM News that several kidnappings were recently reported in Matjhabeng and ten suspects were arrested. 

He says that seven kidnappers, including a woman, were arrested in Bothaville after kidnapping a pensioner in his Kutloanong home, withdrawing money, and demanding a further R80 000. Thakeng says the suspects were arrested while they were on their way to withdraw additional pension money and they were found in possession of R3000 cash, a purse with a police badge, a number of bank cards, and Curriculum Vitaes of several people, including Harmony Mine application forms.

Thakeng also adds that three businessmen who are foreign nationals were also kidnapped after closing their stores. He alleges that the suspects demanded R50 000 in which arrangements were made to drop off the money at the bridge in Welkom without involving the police. He, however, says that three occupants - that included a foreign national woman - were arrested while the other suspect managed to escape with the money. According to Thakeng, the case of the three suspects was postponed to 8 May 2022 after appearing in the Welkom Magistrate's Court.

Thakeng says that police are following leads in other cases and have requested residents to assist the police with information that will bring the perpetrators to book. He further requested business owners to reinforce security during opening and closing times.

OFM News