Collaboration between the Free State Provincial Murder and Robbery Unit, the Welkom K9 Unit, and the Parkweg Tactical Response Team (TRT) resulted in the swift arrest of alleged kidnappers in Welkom. Six (6) males, aged between 28 and 46, were arrested.
On Friday, 24 July 2026, a 29-year-old male was allegedly kidnapped at gunpoint from his place of residence in Steyn. The matter was reported to the Welkom Police and the Provincial Murder and Robbery Unit based in Thabong.
It was discovered that the family of the victim received phone calls from the alleged suspects demanding an undisclosed ransom amount for the release of the victim.
The Welkom K9 and the TRT Unit were activated.
Information was received, which then led the team to a house in Flamingo Park.
Police utilised their tactical expertise to approach and surround the identified house.
Upon noticing the police, the suspects attempted to flee but were quickly apprehended.
Upon further investigation at the house, police discovered the male victim (29) inside the garage with both hands tied behind his back. He was found in a severe state of shock. He sustained injuries to the back of the head and bruises on his hands and feet.
Police seized two handguns, ammunition, and three vehicles. Further investigations revealed that one of the vehicles was reportedly stolen in Winburg.
The six males will appear in the Welkom Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 27 July 2026. They are facing charges of kidnapping, extortion, possession of unlicensed firearms, and possession of a suspected stolen vehicle.
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