Johannesburg – A massive protest by residents over the kidnapping of Vosloorus businessman Mazwi Kubheka appears to have prompted his captors to set him free after a month in captivity.
Kubheka, who was reported missing by his family on 2 April 2026, was allegedly involved in a dispute with other spaza shop owners, said to be foreign nationals, in the area before his disappearance.
On Workers’ Day, Friday, 1 May 2026, a public holiday, concerned residents of Vosloorus on the East Rand protested in the streets over the disappearance of the 27-year-old spaza shop owner.
The protests were joined by top government officials, including Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni and Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi.
During the protest, residents demanded police action and the closure of foreign-owned spaza shops until Kubheka was found.
In an unexpected twist, a day after the protests, on Saturday, 2 May 2026, reports surfaced that Khubheka had been found.
He was later taken to a hospital and was discharged in the early hours of today, Sunday, 3 May 2026.
According to the Kubheka family, the protest had a “huge impact” on the situation.
It has since emerged that the kidnappers dropped Kubheka off near a roadblock, where police officers on duty recognised him due to the widespread awareness of his case.
The officers assisted Kubheka and directed him to the Vosloorus Police Station, where he formally identified himself and contacted his family.
“We are overwhelmed with gratitude to have him back home,” said a Kubheka family spokesperson, who only identified herself as Nomhle.
“While he is safe, Mazwi is currently in a fragile condition and is receiving medical care and emotional support as he recovers from this traumatic experience.”
Nomhle said the family was appealing for privacy, adding that Kubheka was not yet ready to speak about his month-long ordeal.
Earlier today, Premier Lesufi stated during a media briefing at Vosloorus Police Station that the suspects were known to the Kubheka.
He stated that the kidnapping involved a group comprising local and foreign nationals, including two Ethiopians.
Two Malawians were allegedly guarding the location where Kubheka was held.
Premier Lesufi, flanked by South African Police Service Gauteng Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni, said Kubheka had been held in a hijacked building during his captivity.
However, Lieutenant General Mthombeni revealed that no arrests had been made, and investigations into the case were ongoing.
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