The investigation into a kidnapping and the rescue of a victim on Thursday (27 November), led police to the arrest of three suspects, the impounding of two vehicles, and possible links to a former MEC.

Lowvelder reports that members of the Mpumalanga Organised Crime Unit were investigating a kidnapping.

They first went to a property in Hlabekisa Trust, about 80km north-west of Graskop, that allegedly belongs to a former MEC. The victim was found tied up with wires and locked in a room. Police arrested two suspects at the location.

“He was severely injured after his kidnappers allegedly tortured him,” said a source close to the investigation, who requested to remain anonymous.

The victim was rescued and transported to an undisclosed hospital for treatment.

“The suspects were reportedly arrested after phoning the victim’s wife and demanding a ransom amounting to R100 000,” the source said.

Two vehicles believed to have been used in the kidnapping were impounded.

One of the vehicles is registered in a former Mpumalanga MEC’s name, while the other is registered in the name of one of his relatives,” the source revealed.

Despite only one vehicle being registered in the former MEC’s name, he has allegedly been seen driving both vehicles on several occasions.

Officers then proceeded to another address where they arrested a third suspect and confiscated a firearm and ammunition.

Lowvelder has reliably been informed that the kidnapping case was registered with the Witbank police and later transferred to Lydenburg.

The former MEC was not arrested, but investigations are ongoing.

The suspects are facing charges of kidnapping, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm, intimidation, attempted murder and unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, among others.

Mpumalanga Hawks spokesperson, Warrant Officer Thandi Tshabalala, confirmed the arrests but was not able to provide a more detailed report at the time of publishing.