By Libuseng Nyaka
QWAQWA – The Bethlehem couple that was kidnapped on their way to a conference in Parys on August 23,2024 have been found alive by police at Evaton in the Gauteng province on August 27, 2024.
Free State police spokesperson Brigader Motantsi Makhele said he was pleased to announce that the missing couple, Pastor Phillip Mashudu (55) and his wife, Mrs Elsie Matlou Mashudu (54), were found in Evaton, Gauteng, the evening of Monday, 26 August 2024.
“The couple who left Bethlehem on Friday, 23 August 2024 to attend a church conference in Parys were reported missing. A provincial task team was established and worked around the clock with their counterparts to follow up on all leads. The couple’s vehicle was found in Sebokeng on Sunday August 25, but they were nowhere to be found.”
According to Makhele the team left no stone unturned while searching and tracing the couple and last night a breakthrough was made that led to the arrest of three people in Sharpville.
“Further investigation by the team led to a house in Evaton where a fourth suspect was arrested. The couple was found unharmed at the said address. Police confiscated several bank cards at the address, as well as a substantial amount of cash and a toy gun. A preliminary investigation revealed that the couple was hijacked and kidnapped on the road between Heilbron and Sasolburg.”
He said investigations continue but so far four suspects link to the crime have been arrested.
“The suspects who are males between 31 and 41yrs of age will appear in the Sasolburg magistrate court on Thursday; 29 August 2024 on charges of hijacking and kidnapping.”
Meanwhile, the Provincial Commissioner of the Police in the Free State, Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane, has thanked all members of police for their efforts.
Pastor Philip Mashudu and wife Elsie Matlou Mashudu.
“I want to thank all the units that were working around the clock: under the leadership of myself and Provincial and Fezile Dabi district management, collectively we led forces from the ground from Sunday which are inclusive of Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Unit, Provincial Organised Crime Unit, Fezile Dabi Destrict Detectives and Crime Intelligence of Free State working with Sedibeng Crime Intelligence of Gauteng, Fezile Dabi and Welkom TRT Units with Sasolburg Detectives.
Our gratitude goes to the entire team for their selfless efforts on this significant breakthrough in the kidnapping case. Your dedication, hard work, and perseverance have brought us one step closer to justice. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to keeping our community safe,” said Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane.
