Young man freed from kidnappers who wanted to trade his body parts
The family of Thuto Mokoena (23) from Extension 25, Vosloorus, said they are still shocked following his kidnapping just outside East Gate Mall on March 7.
Thuto’s mother, Nthabiseng Mokoena-Mokhwane, who resides in Extension Four in Vosloorus, said her son left home at about 1.30pm and was kidnapped at around 3pm next to Virgin Active just outside the mall.
“Immediately after he came out of a taxi at the mall, a white Corolla Quest with four men inside blocked his way and forced him into the vehicle. They blindfolded him and drove off with him to an unknown place.
“When they arrived at the place, they called an unknown man who said he wanted body parts of a girl. He told them he had more than enough body parts of males and he does not need them anymore.
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“After failing to convince this man to take my son’s body parts, they decided to demand a ransom of R10 000 and R200 airtime from the family. They called me at around 4pm to demand the ransom. They even made me talk to him. “I told them I did not have that kind of money lying around. But they insisted it is the only condition in which he will be released.
“My son called his friends and colleagues for help. Fortunately, one of his friends told them he only had R3 000, which they accepted. The money was deposited into my son’s bank account because the kidnappers did not want to be traced through their banking details. They withdrew the money and released him at 10pm after torturing him,” said Mokoena-Mokhwane.
Thuto was still traumatised while his mother was talking to Kathorus MAIL.
“I thought they were going to kill me after hearing that my mom was not going to be able to pay. What made me more traumatised was the thought of being killed for my body parts to make muthi that was going to make this man rich,” said Thuto.
He said he is been having sleepless nights because of the shock.
“I don’t know how long is it going to take before I recover,” he said.
Thuto’s wallet, phone, cap, and a leather jacket were also taken from him during the hostage.
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Communication officer at Vosloorus SAPS Capt Piet Rossouw said a case of kidnapping has been opened and is being investigated.
Mokoena-Mokhwane said she is talking to the public about this incident because she wants the community to be aware of what is happening out there.
“I want parents to be aware that there are people out there who are after their children’s body parts to make themselves rich.”
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