News24 reports that a 33-year-old truck driver was lucky to survive after he was allegedly kidnapped near the Lebombo border post in Komatipoort on Thursday.

The driver was queuing with other truck drivers who were waiting to cross over from SA through the Lebombo border post into Mozambique when he decided to leave his truck to get some food. According to police spokesperson Brigadier Selvy Mohlala, as the man returned to his truck, a group of about four men armed with a firearm, pangas and knives forced him into some nearby bushes. "Upon arrival in the bushes it is further alleged that his hands and feet were tied and he was allegedly assaulted by his assailants and sustained injuries to his head and other parts of his body," said Mohlala. The suspects allegedly used the truck driver's phone to cash in from his bank account. They then ensured that the driver's family transferred more cash for the sake of his freedom. That same evening, the truck driver managed to escape and sought help from other truck drivers. A kidnapping case was opened at Komatipoort Police Station, but there have been no arrests yet. Meanwhile, police dismissed rumours that another truck driver was kidnapped by suspects demanding R50,000 as ransom. "Truck drivers are advised not to leave their trucks while waiting to be attended to by the officials working at Lebombo border post," Mohlala cautioned.

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Cebelihle Mthethwa at News24
• Read too, Truck driver kidnapped and tortured near Lebombo border post, at IOL

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