Khutsong kidnapping shocks community during ongoing power outages
The incident unfolded around 19:00 in the 70s section of Khutsong Ext 5, where a group of young people were gathered around a fire outside a home. With Welverdiend and surrounding areas continuing to experience prolonged power outages, the group had resorted to using the fire to keep warm.
According to witnesses, four unknown men, speaking Sesotho, approached and asked to buy eggs. When told there were none, they questioned a 20-year-old woman, asking if she was 'the woman of the house.' After she responded that their parents were not home, the situation escalated dramatically.
The suspects drew firearms and forced the group to the back of the house. They demanded money and forced the woman's brother to open a household safe. The armed robbers stole cash, several cellphones, electronic equipment, and alcohol—before kidnapping the young man as they fled the scene.
The victim's mother received a phone call from the kidnappers the following morning. The suspects demanded ransom money for her son's release.
Local police have opened a case of house robbery and kidnapping. No arrests have been made at the time of publication.
A senior officer involved in the investigation urged residents to install GPS tracking apps on family members' phones as a preventative measure.
'This can help us locate missing persons or kidnapping victims much faster, especially in cases where time is critical,' he said.
The incident has left many residents feeling unsafe, particularly with the current lack of electricity and increased vulnerability during the night.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Khutsong police station or report anonymously via the SAPS Crime Stop line at 08600 10111.
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