Earlier this year, OFM News had reported that ten suspects were arrested following several kidnappings that were reported in Welkom. 

Free State Police spokesperson, Stephen Thakeng, says in the most recent case a 40-year-old business owner of a supermarket at Tugela circle, St Helena in Welkom, was allegedly approached by four unknown, armed men. The business owner, however, managed to flee to flats that were close to the building. 

Thakeng says another incident was then reported to the police on Thursday, where suspects entered these premises with guns and kidnapped two men, allegedly the uncle and the brother of this business owner. He says the four suspects allegedly forced the victims to get into a customer’s silver VW Polo Vivo with registration number CTR 213 NC, and fled the scene. 

He says the incidents was reported to the Welkom Police Station and a case of kidnapping, business robbery and hijacking was registered for further investigations.

ALSO READ: Concerns over rising cases of kidnapping in Free State

Meanwhile, Thakeng had previously requested residents to assist the police with information that will bring the perpetrators to book, and further requested business owners to reinforce security during opening and closing times.

OFM News