Kidnapped Free State pastor and wife found in Evaton
Four suspects are due to appear in court tomorrow in connection with the hijacking and kidnapping of a pastor and his wife.
A missing Free State pastor and his wife were found alive after being kidnapped and held hostage in Evaton.
Pastor Phillip Mashudu (55) and his wife Elsie Matlou Mashudu (54) were located late on Monday night after having gone missing on Friday while on their way to a church conference in Parys.
The couple was hijacked and kidnapped on the road between Heilbron and Sasolburg.
Following their vehicle’s discovery in Sebokeng, a massive search operation was launched involving multiple police units across Gauteng and the Free State.
The breakthrough came on Monday night when a provincial task team, working around the clock, arrested three suspects in Sharpeville in connection with the couple’s disappearance.
Further investigation quickly led police to a house in Evaton, where the Mashudus were found unharmed.
At the scene, police seized a stash of bank cards, a large sum of cash, and a toy gun believed to have been used to threaten the couple.
In a statement, SAPS Free State provincial commissioner Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane commended the team’s efforts.
“I want to thank all the units that worked tirelessly on this case. Your dedication and hard work have brought us a step closer to justice and ensured the safe return of Pastor Mashudu and his wife,” said Motswenyane.
The suspects, all men aged between 31 and 41, will face charges of hijacking and kidnapping in the Sasolburg Magistrate’s Court tomorrow.
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