The kidnapping of a woman and her son in Thohoyandou on Tuesday afternoon sparked fears that gangs specialising in these types of crimes have returned to Vhembe. The kidnapping of members of the Indian community, in particular, peaked in 2022 and 2023. During this period, several people were kidnapped, including prominent businessmen and their family members. This trend stopped when the police arrested two people in June last year.
The latest kidnapping incident that shocked the local community happened on Tuesday at about 16:00 in Thohoyandou Block F. Video clips showing how the man and his mother were abducted quickly started circulating on social media. The video footage shows the mother stopping in front of a house to pick up her son (presumably after school). Just as the son is about to get into the car, a dark-coloured Volvo sedan arrives and stops in front of the house. Two armed masked men quickly get out and force the son and his mother into their vehicle before speeding off.
The spokesperson for the Vhembe SAPS, Warrant Officer Vuledzani Dathi, confirmed on Wednesday morning that a case of kidnapping had been opened and said that investigations were ongoing. He did not want to disclose the names of the victims.
A family spokesperson, who did not want to be identified, said the members of the family were still traumatized and struggling to come to terms with the incident. "We do not have anything to say now. We are in a meeting and will update you later," he said.