Harrismith: 7 June 2023 - A 25-year-old man from the Mohlakeng section of Intabazwe near Harrismith was allegedly kidnapped, assaulted and thrown into the Wilge River but escaped death. The suspect is charged and is to appear in court.
On Sunday, 4 June 2023 at about 16:00, the complainant alleged that he was at a certain tavern in Intabazwe drinking with friends when a known person stopped his vehicle and took him to his place with two other friends found in his vehicle. On their arrival at the house, the driver of the vehicle accused him of stealing his property with his friends and started assaulting him in full view of his two friends. He was kept locked inside his room and the suspect left.
Apparently, the suspect came later, forced the victim inside the boot of the vehicle and further assaulted him. They arrived at an open field where the complainant still had his hands tied behind his back. It's further alleged that the suspect threw him into the Wilge River and left. Fortunately, he fell on the bank of the river, where he managed to untie himself and report the matter to his family, which later reported the matter to the police on Monday. The suspect was traced, arrested and charged. The second suspect is still at large.
The 35-year-old suspect is expected to appear in Harrismith Magistrate Court today, facing charges of kidnapping and attempted murder.