NATIONAL: A group of alleged kidnappers received and unwelcome visit from the police who apprehended them soon after they had taken their victim.

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS) a collaboration between the Free State Provincial Murder and Robbery Unit, the Welkom K9 Unit, and the Parkweg Tactical Response Team (TRT) resulted in the swift arrest of six men aged between 28 and 46-years.

On Friday, 24 July 2026, a 29-year-old male was allegedly kidnapped at gunpoint from his house in Steyn. The matter was reported to the Welkom Police and the Provincial Murder and Robbery Unit based in Thabong.

The family of the victim received phone calls from the alleged suspects demanding a ransom for his release.

According to SAPS the Welkom K9 and the TRT Unit were activated.

Information led police to a house in Flamingo Park.

When the police arrived the suspects attempted to flee but were quickly apprehended.

The 29-year-old victim was found in a severe state of shock inside the garage with both hands tied behind his back. He sustained injuries to the back of the head and bruises on his hands and feet.

Police seized two handguns, ammunition, and three vehicles, one of which were reported stolen in Winburg.

The six suspects will appear in the Welkom Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 27 July 2026.