Police confirmed on Sunday that no arrests have been made in the kidnapping case of Vosloorus businessman Mazwi Kubheka. Image: Thembelihle Mabanga
Panyaza Lesufi
1Min
South Africa
No arrests yet in Mazwi Kubheka kidnapping case
Despite the safe return of Mazwi Kubheka, police have yet to make any arrests.
Police confirmed on Sunday that no arrests have been made in the kidnapping case of Vosloorus businessman Mazwi Kubheka, despite his safe return on Saturday.
Kubheka, 27, reappeared on Saturday evening after being released by his captors in a veld in Ekurhuleni. He later presented himself at the Vosloorus Police Station, where officers assisted him and contacted his family.
Mazwi had been missing for nearly a month, with his abduction believed to be linked to a dispute involving a spaza shop.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, who briefed the media alongside Provincial Police Commissioner Tommy Mthombeni, confirmed that those behind the kidnapping are known to the victim.
He revealed that the group allegedly includes both South African nationals and foreign nationals, with two Ethiopian suspects and two Malawians believed to have been involved in guarding the location where Kubheka was held.
Lesufi said Kubheka was kept in hijacked buildings. However, despite this information, no suspects have been apprehended.
The lack of arrests comes amid heightened public attention and pressure following a protest held on Friday. Community members had called for the closure of foreign-owned spaza shops until Kubheka was found a move the family believes contributed to his eventual release.
Kubheka’s family confirmed he is alive but in a fragile condition. He was briefly hospitalised and is now in a place of safety, receiving medical care and emotional support.
“We are grateful he is back home, but this has been a traumatic experience. Our focus now is on his recovery,” family member Nomhle said, also urging that he receive counselling.
Nomhle thanked all South Africans who supported the family by helping to search for her brother, protesting in his name, and sending messages of support during this difficult time.
She also urged provincial authorities to consider closing foreign-owned spaza shops to accommodate unemployed and retrenched South Africans who aspire to become businesspeople.
Police investigations are ongoing as authorities work to track down those responsible for the kidnapping.
