Culprits sought after kidnapping two foreign nationals with hijacked vehicle

Criminals indeed use every opportunity they get to commit crime, especially when unsuspecting victims least suspect it.

Yesterday June 16, whilst the country commemorated the day and celebrated the holiday, crime loomed the streets of St Helena, Welkom.

In the evening of the special day, four armed men suddenly rushed into Arrafar Supermarket at Tugela circle in St Helena, Welkom and approached the owner.

According to Lejweleputswa police spokesperson, captain Stephen Thakeng, the 40-year-old store owner managed to flee when one of their firearms fell of the ground.

“The victim was able to escape the men and hide himself in one of the nearby flats,” added Thakeng.

Suspects then navigated their way in the premises and found the store owner’s brother and uncle who they kidnapped.

After taking the two men, the culprits went to the store client’s car outside which had a child, the man’s girlfriend and his brother-in-law. They forced the occupants out and fled with the car.

The vehicle hijacked and used in the commission of crime was a silver Polo Vivo with registration number CTR 213 NC.

The incident was reported to the Welkom police and cases of kidnapping, business robbery and car jacking were registered for further investigation.

“The police request public assistance in tracing the kidnappers to find victims. They may conduct detective sergeant Tsoeu of Provincial Organized Crime Unit on 0658206299. Alternatively they may use the crime stop number, 0860010111,” urged Thakeng.