WELKOM - A supermarket at President Steyn mine hostel was robbed of cash and cigarettes and a shopkeeper was kidnapped.

On 20 August 2022 at about 19:30, Welkom SAPS received a complaint of random shooting at President Steyn mine hostel. On arrival police were informed that a 27-year-old shopkeeper was kidnapped by a number of unknown suspects who also fired gunshots.

The shopkeeper was held at an unknown place where the suspects contacted close relatives of the victim demanding a ransom. There was an immediate activation of Welkom K9 Unit, Hostage negotiator, Welkom Public Order Policing, Bidvest mine security and Welkom Crime Prevention.

The 27-year-old male victim was spotted walking alone in Welkom/Virginia road next to Bronville with no injuries.

A case of Kidnapping, Business Robbery and Attempted Murder has been registered for further investigation. Anyone with information leading to the arrests of the suspects can contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or alternatively send information via MySAPS App.

Source: South African Police Service