EMALAHLENI – A 58-year-old Zimbabwean national pastor, Solomon Mhlanga, and his son Enoch Mhlanga (20) found themselves in the spotlight as they appeared before the Witbank Magistrates Court on Tuesday, April 9.
The father-son duo arrested on 27 March in Vosman appeared in court for their bail hearing. They were arrested in connection with a harrowing case of kidnapping and attempted murder involving Dumisani Mahlangu (30).
The incident took place on March 20 in Vosman, where Mahlangu fell victim to a brutal attack that left him severely injured. Allegedly, Mahlangu’s hands were mutilated with a panga as punishment for an accusation of battery theft.
The victim was reportedly abducted at gunpoint on Kroomdraai road and taken to a nearby bush where the horrific act took place. Currently, Mahlangu is undergoing treatment and recovery at Witbank General Hospital
Speaking with the Highveld Chronicle, Lieutenant Colonel Muntu Mbatha from Witbank police station said, “The investigators are hard at work in probing an attempted murder case and so far the victim’s hands have been recovered.”
“Emanating from this incident, the Detectives from Vosman, the K9 Unit, Criminal Record Centre as well as the Investigative Psychology Unit revisited the scene on Monday afternoon, 25 March 2024, to search for the victim’s hands. It was during this time when the astute members found the hands. This latest development will form part of the broader investigation.” he explained.
“Two suspects have been arrested from the same family, aged between 20 and 58. They were arrested on Wednesday night, March 27 at Vosman.”
Both suspects have been granted bail of R5000 each, and the matter was postponed to May 22.
