Police hunt suspects after mine worker hijacked, thrown in river in Welkom

The Welkom police have launched manhunt for two suspects who allegedly hijacked and kidnapped a mine worker and threw him in a river.

According to Lejweleputswa police spokesperson, Captain Stephen Thakeng, a woman reported her husband missing on Monday, 18 April, at around 03:00.

“The police later found the man reported missing at one of the hospitals in Matjhabeng,” added Thakeng.

A preliminary investigation revealed that the 48-year-old mine worker reported off duty from a mine in Matjhabeng at 22:00. He then drove to an ATM in a charcoal Toyota Corolla sedan with FFH-762-FS registration to withdraw cash for petrol.

When he arrived at the ATM however, he realised he did not have enough funds, so he drove home.

The man reported that while at a Stateway/Arrarat Road circle in Welkom, a vehicle with two armed African men allegedly blocked the road for him.

“As a result, he stopped and the duo forced themselves inside his car and took him to the boot,” said Thakeng.

Furthermore, the suspects sped off and stopped at a secluded area. They demanded cash from the victim, but he did not have any. Believing that the victim had the money in his bank account, the two culprits drove to different ATMs attempting to withdraw cash, but no luck for them.

“They drove for a while with the victim still in the boot and suddenly stopped. Suspects dragged the victim out of the boot and threw him into a river,” informed Thakeng.

Luckily, the 48-year-old managed to swim out of the water and crawled ashore. The Virginia police came to the victim’s rescue and arranged for him to be taken to the hospital.

The police have registered a case of hi-jacking and kidnapping for further investigation.

“Anyone with positive information for the investigation may contact Detective Sergeant Seleke Khosana of Vehicle Investigation Crime Unit on 0734602760. Alternatively, one may use the police emergency number, 0860010111,” concluded Thakeng.