The missing Free State couple, Pastor Phillip Mashudu (55) and his wife Elsie Matlou Mashudu (54), were found in Everton, Gauteng, Monday night, (26/8).
According to police spokesperson, Motantsi Makhele, the couple who left Bethlehem on Friday (23/8) 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, but they were nowhere to be found. The team left no stone unturned while searching and tracing the couple and Monday night, a breakthrough was made that led to the arrest of three people in Sharpeville,” said Makhele.
He added that further investigations by the team led to a house in Everton, 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,” Makhele explained.
Furthermore, Makhele noted that a preliminary investigation revealed that the couple was hijacked and kidnapped on the road between Heilbron and Sasolburg. The investigation continues and more arrests are expected.
“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 included the Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Unit, Provincial Organised Crime Unit, Fezile Dabi District 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.
The suspects, aged between 31 and 41, will appear in the Sasolburg Magistrate’s Court on Thursday 29 August, on charges of hijacking and kidnapping.
Compiled by Justine Fortuin
