Community rallies as Mazwi Kubheka's family speaks out on trauma counselling needs

Gauteng Police Commissioner General Tommy Mthombeni on Sunday revealed that 27-year-old Vosloorus spaza shop owner, Mazwi Kubheka, was blindfolded by his captors and moved between unknown locations during his month-long kidnapping ordeal.

Mthombeni said that one of the suspects is known to the victim, adding that Kubheka was captured by an undisclosed number of people on April 2, after telling his family that he would be going to the bank.

Mthombeni, flanked by Premier Panyaza Lesufi and Ekurhuleni Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza, addressed the media at Vosloorus police station following Kubheka's release from captivity over the weekend.

Mthombeni said that Kubheka was dropped off near Carnival City on Saturday.

"The victim was blindfolded and could not indicate what happened until he was released and dropped off by his captors," he said.

After hitchhiking to safety, Kubheka sought help and ultimately arrived at a police station, where he provided a detailed account of his experience.

The Kubheka family has since thanked the community for putting pressure on his kidnappers.

Kubheka's sister, Nomhle Kubheka, said despite his safe return on Saturday night, her young brother will need extensive trauma counseling.

There are suggestions that other spaza shop owners had grievances against Kubheka but police would not confirm if this was part of the motive for the abduction.

"The person I saw yesterday is not my brother. I know his physical appearance. My brother is soft spoken, but he is angry and terrified. He will receive extensive counselling before he becomes himself again," Nomhle said.

Kubheka's return followed his disappearance on April 2, leaving his family and residents in a state of shock and uncertainty. 

For weeks, Kubheka's family led a frantic search after he was last seen leaving his sister's home in Marimba Gardens.

Nomhle indicated that despite the emotional trauma the family has suffered over the past month, the support from the community helped keep hope alive that her brother would return safely.

"The support we have received from traditional leaders and other community members, some who traveled distances to be with us, gave us hope that our brother was still alive," she said.

Lesufi has promised that his government will work closely with the community of Vosloorus and other communities affected by illegal immigration.

"I have received a memorandum of grievances. There can never be double laws for the people of South Africa. We are committed to dealing with the issue of illegal immigration. We will be convening a special summit in the next week where we will deliberate and formulate a way forward," said Lesufi.

Cape Times