Key Takeaways
- A 43-year-old man from Atteridgeville in Tshwane was allegedly kidnapped and robbed by ruthless thugs while trying to help his nephews buy a car.
- The man was robbed of R100 and his bank cards, and his nephews were tricked into transferring R75,000 to the thugs.
- The man was kept in an abandoned house for several hours, where he was beaten and threatened with a gun.
- The police have confirmed the case and are investigating, but no arrests have been made yet.
- The man is traumatized and has faced accusations from relatives who believe he knew the criminals.
Introduction to the Incident
A 43-year-old man from Atteridgeville in Tshwane is counting his blessings after a harrowing experience in which he was allegedly kidnapped and robbed by ruthless thugs. The incident occurred in November 2025, when the man’s nephews from Venda, Limpopo, asked him to travel to Winterveld, Tshwane, to inspect a Toyota Yaris they had seen advertised on Facebook Marketplace. What was meant to be a simple viewing soon turned into a nightmare, as the man was deceived and robbed by the thugs.
The Kidnapping and Robbery
The man said that when he arrived in Mabopane, two men fetched him in a car, claiming they were taking him to Winterveld where the vehicle was. However, things took a turn for the worse when they picked up a third man who was armed with a gun. The man was forced to lie down in the back seat, tied with his belt, and had his face covered with a jacket. The thugs then proceeded to rob him of R100 and his bank cards, and even checked his banking app to see if he had any money. When they found no money, they forced the man to call his nephews and tell them that he had seen the car, threatening to kill him if he did not cooperate.
The Ordeal in the Abandoned House
The man was allegedly kept in an abandoned house from 10am until 7pm, where he was kicked and beaten by the thugs. During this time, his nephews transferred R75,000 to the thugs, which ultimately led to the man’s release. After receiving the money, the thugs returned the man’s belongings and even gave him R300 for food and transport. The man was ordered to lie down until the thugs were gone, and people later told him that they saw a Venture leaving the area.
The Aftermath and Investigation
The traumatized man said that instead of receiving support from his relatives, some of them have accused him of knowing the criminals. He has pleaded with his family to believe him, stating that he was really robbed by ruthless thugs. The Gauteng police spokesman, Lieutenant-Colonel Mavela Masondo, has confirmed the case and stated that a case of robbery with a firearm was opened at Loate Police Station. The police are currently investigating the incident, but no arrests have been made yet.
The Victim’s Plea for Support
The man’s experience has left him shaken, and he is still trying to come to terms with what happened. He has expressed his gratitude to be alive, stating that people in Winterveldt have told him that he is lucky to have survived the ordeal. The man’s plea for support and understanding from his family and community is a reminder that victims of crime need empathy and compassion, rather than accusations and skepticism. As the police continue to investigate the incident, it is hoped that the perpetrators will be brought to justice and that the man will be able to find closure and healing.
