NATIONAL: The vigilance of a community member led to the arrest of three (3) kidnapping suspects in Bronville after a man was discovered with multiple injuries in the boot of a vehicle.

On Sunday, 28 June 2026, at approximately 08:00, the South African Police Service (SAPS) received a complaint of fighting in Bronville, Welkom.

On arrival at the scene, police were informed by a community member that there was a person inside the boot of a silver BMW. Members immediately intercepted the identified vehicle with three male occupants.

Upon searching the vehicle, police found an African male covered in blood. The victim sustained serious injuries and had a strong smell of petrol. He was transported to hospital for treatment.

Upon further inspection, police noticed blood on the suspects’ hands and sneakers.

According to information, the suspects allegedly assaulted the victim at his home and accused him of stealing their car parts. They allegedly poured petrol on him and forcefully placed him in the boot of their vehicle before driving off.

Police confiscated two pairs of blood-stained sneakers and the vehicle allegedly used in the commission of the crime.

The suspects, aged 25, 27, and 40-years, were arrested for attempted murder and kidnapping.