SAPS spokesperson, Mmako Mophiring, says two men residing in Bethlehem opened a case after they were ambushed and forcefully taken by six men who accused them of stealing car batteries from a workshop they work at. He says the security guard, who was on duty at the time of the incident, is a witness as he could allegedly hear how the men were assaulted. He adds that both victims were searched and no batteries were found.  

“They alleged that on Saturday 15 October 2022, six guys arrived with two vehicles, accusing them of stealing car batteries. They didn’t even give a number of the batteries that were stolen, but did not get any batteries from either of the two men they were accusing”.

Mophiring says the number of kidnappings is increasing in a concerning way, as there have been similar reports of people being kidnapped for revenge. He advises people to contact the SAPS and small claims courts when they want justice, and that they should be patient while the law takes its course and the police do their investigations.

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

OFM News previously reported that Free State police have confirmed their concerns on cases of kidnapping that have recently escalated in the Matjhabeng Local Municipality in Welkom. The Free State police spokesperson, Stephen Thakeng, told OFM News that several kidnappings were recently reported in Matjhabeng and ten suspects were arrested.

OFM News/Mpho Mohapi