Three Men Kidnapped And Killed In Carjacking In Eastern Cape

The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Eastern Cape has initiated a high-priority investigation following a gruesome triple murder linked to a carjacking and kidnapping in Bethelsdorp.

The bodies of three men, aged between 23 and 37, were discovered on Monday morning. The victims had reportedly been abducted the previous evening in Kwanobuhle, triggering an urgent police search.

Armed Suspects Hijack Vehicle and Kidnap Victims

Provincial police spokesperson Captain Sandra Janse Van Rensburg detailed how the incident unfolded on Sunday, April 26, at around 8:30pm in Vukukhanya Street.

“It is alleged that the complainant was seated inside a white Mazda 323 with other occupants when they were approached by five unknown males, two of whom were armed with firearms. The suspects allegedly pointed the firearms at the victims and demanded money and cell phones,” Janse Van Rensburg said.

One of the victims was left behind, while the suspects drove off with the remaining three in the hijacked vehicle. The white Mazda 323 was later recovered abandoned in Algoa Road.

Bodies Found in Bethelsdorp as Police Hunt Intensifies

The search for the missing men ended in tragedy at around 11am on Monday, April 27. Police were alerted to a wooded area near Old Uitenhage Road in Salt Lake, Bethelsdorp.

Officers discovered the three victims with multiple gunshot wounds. Two bodies were found close together, while the third was located nearby after officers followed a trail of blood.

“Preliminary investigations have confirmed that the three deceased are the same victims who were kidnapped during the Kwanobuhle carjacking incident. Cases of carjacking, kidnapping, and triple murder are under investigation. No arrests have been made, and the suspects remain unknown at this stage,” Janse Van Rensburg said.

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Authorities have linked the incident to a rise in violent carjackings in the Nelson Mandela Bay district, where armed groups have been increasingly active.

Police are appealing to the public for assistance. Anyone with information regarding the five suspects is urged to contact Lieutenant Colonel Monde Sithole at 082 457 2812 or the Crime Stop hotline at 08600 10111.