The police are concerned about the escalation of kidnappings in Matjhabeng.
Vista has reported on murders and several kidnappings in and around Welkom and Thabong since the beginning of the year, and there have been allegations that a kidnapping syndicate is involved.
Capt. Stephen Thakeng, Lejweleputswa media liaison officer, has confirmed that there was a hijacking syndicate that used a woman to rob unsuspecting motorists of their vehicles and valuable items. The drivers were then thrown into the Sand River in Virginia. The gang was heavily sentenced by the Virginia High Court, says Thakeng.
He says that the current allegations of a kidnapping syndicate operating in Matjhabeng cannot be over ruled, and all the cases are being investigated by Free State organised crime.
“We can confirm that in Odendaalsrus a male person was kidnapped and robbed of thousand of rands. Three suspects have been arrested. We regard this as a breakthrough. We do not want to say much about this case as an in-depth investigation is being conducted,” he said.
Earlier disappearances include:
On 31 December a five-year-old toddler was kidnapped from her home, with her body later found by a passerby with injuries to her head.
On 4 January, two female friends, aged 17 and 20 years, went missing in Wesselsbron. The 20-year-old was found and returned to her parents. The whereabouts of the 17-year-old are known, but she has not returned home.
On 6 January, an 18-month-old baby was kidnapped in Boitumelo Mall whilst she was playing with other children. It was reported that an unknown sangoma (traditional healer) took the child and then bundled her into a taxi. After an intense police search, the child was safely returned home and the kidnapper arrested. Residents are warned to be more vigilant especially when walking with toddlers. Make sure that you know your child’s whereabouts at all times and never leave your children unsupervised.
A mine engineer was kidnapped from his home, in front of his family, and was subsequently murdered. His vehicle was torched in Virginia and his body was found next to the St Helena hospital in Welkom. The suspects are still at large.
“Residents must understand that we work on information from them and that they must give information, even when they remain anonymous, on the Crime Stop number 08600-10111 or the MySAPS App,” said Thakeng.
