There have been two murders and several kidnappings in and around Welkom and Thabong since the beginning of the year.
Allegations are rife that a kidnapping syndicate is involved.
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 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 onto a taxi.
After an intense police search, the child was safely returned home and the kidnapper arrested.
In a separate incident, a mine engineer was kidnapped from his home. His sister and children witnessed the kidnapping and heard him being violently assaulted before he was taken away. Throughout the assault, he asked the kidnappers what they wanted. The victim’s vehicle was later found, burned in an open field next to the St Helena hospital in Welkom on 6 January. His body was found the next day in Virginia, with multiple injuries.
The police have confirmed their concern about the escalation of kidnappings in Matjhabeng.
Two female friends, aged 17 and 20 years, went missing after they were last seen on 4 January.
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.
