Missing Hluhluwe man held for ransom, but returned safely

Hluhluwe resident Mzwakhe Mathenjwa (48), who was reported missing two weeks ago after failing to return from town, is back at home after allegedly being abducted.

Mathenjwa was last seen heading to Hluhluwe town to buy a kist for his sister’s wedding that was scheduled to take place that weekend.

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According to a family source, he was abducted en route, robbed, and kept in a bush while suspects withdrew money from his bank account.

“They took his cellphone and forced him to provide them with his banking pin code. They called his wife to demand a ransom of R15 000 and advised her not to involve the police,” said the source.

“Strangely, while his wife was on the verge of making a R6 000 deposit on Monday, Mathenjwa returned home.”

Mathenjwa was reportedly blindfolded and his mouth covered so he could not shout or identify his kidnappers or their location.

“According to him, on Sunday his kidnappers forced him into the car and dumped him in Pongola where he managed to look for help.

“He said he met his former colleagues who housed him for the night and provided him with a jacket and transport to go back home the following day,” he said.

This was confirmed by Mathenjwa’s wife, Lindiwe Gumede, who said her husband is traumatised from his ordeal.

She said they have notified the police about his return, but could not comment any further.

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