FREE STATE – A missing Free State pastor and his wife have been found alive after being kidnapped and held hostage in Evaton.
Pastor Phillip Mashudu (55) and his wife, Elsie Matlou Mashudu (54), were located late Monday evening, August 27 after disappearing for four days.
The couple had gone missing on Friday, August 23 while on their way to a church conference in Parys.
This is after 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 Free State province.
The breakthrough came last 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, Free State Provincial Commissioner of Police 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 four suspects, all men aged between 31 and 41, will face charges of hijacking and kidnapping in the Sasolburg Magistrates Court on Thursday, 29 August 2024.
