The police in Gamalakhe in the south of KwaZulu Natal (KZN) are seeking the assistance of the public in locating five men who are wanted for kidnapping and attempted murder. Andile Qumbisa (36) Khethukuthula Mthiyane(29) Nthethelelo Mpofana (23) Themba Mpofana (26) and Thobani Msabala (24) have been on the run for seven years.

WARRANTS FOR THEIR ARREST

The warrants of their arrest were issued by the Port Shepstone Magistrates Court on Thursday, 25 May 2023. The five fugitives are wanted for the crimes they committed on 13 February 2016. KZN SAPS spokesperson Robert Netshiunda said that the wanted suspects have been on the run for years. "On the day they committed the crime, it is alleged that the group kidnapped and forced a 26-year-old man into their vehicle and drove off. They assaulted the victim, doused him with petrol, and forced him to drink petrol before setting him alight. He was later found with burn wounds at Qinabout area in Gamalakhe," he said. The man survived the ordeal.

APPEAL UNSUCCESSFUL

Netshiunda further said the accused were convicted on both charges after their bid for appeal was unsuccessful. "They have since absconded from court and are now fugitives from justice," he said. Anyone who may have information regarding the whereabouts of the suspects is urged to contact Detective Jabe at 079 ‪696 3600‬/ 039 ‪318 1123‬ or Crime Stop on ‪08600 10111‬. Anonymous tip-offs can also be communicated via the MySAPS App.