By Doreen Mokgolo
The bodies of two tavern patrons who were kidnapped at a tavern in Tembisa’s Madelakufa section in the early hours of Monday were found in an open veld in Olifantsfontein along the R25 only hours later.
The two are part of a group of six tavern patrons and two bouncers who were allegedly kidnapped by a taxi operator and his friends as suspects in the stolen R15,000 and an illegal firearm belonging to the taximen.
The driver, who was allegedly drunk after spending the night at the tavern, decided to sleep in a taxi. Upon waking up he noticed that his money and gun were missing.
He called his friends who cornered some of the patrons and forced them inside the taxi, demanding that they tell him who stole his belongings.
Speaking to Scrolla.Africa, one of the victims, who asked not to be named, said the suspect, together with his friends, threatened their lives while taking turns assaulting them.
“We were taken to the open veld which is known as a slaughter place where no one who is taken there comes out alive. We were assaulted by the group. They later decided to free four patrons and a bouncer when they identified that we didn’t know anything.
“Limping and in pain we went on to seek help from the community and the police,” he said.
Upon police investigation and a search in the open veld in the morning, two victims were found dead with gunshot wounds and a third victim was still alive.
He was rushed to hospital where he is still recovering.
Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi confirmed that they are investigating two cases of murder and attempted murder.
“No one has been arrested as yet and police investigations continue. We are calling anyone with information about the identity of the suspects or their whereabouts to come forward,” she said.
Pictured above: The scene at an open veld in Olifantsfontein along the R25.
Image source: Doreen Mokgolo
