Police in the Eastern Cape have launched an urgent manhunt following the brazen kidnapping of a pastor during a church service in Motherwell on Thursday evening.
According to police spokesperson Captain Andre Beetge, the incident occurred at around 7pm at a church in Mambalaza Street. Four armed and masked men stormed into the building while a sermon was underway, robbing congregants of two cellphones before abducting the 45-year-old pastor.
The suspects fled the scene in the pastor’s silver Toyota Fortuner, which was later recovered by police in the same area. Authorities believe the kidnapped pastor is a foreign national.
The case is currently under investigation, with charges of kidnapping and armed robbery opened at the Motherwell SAPS.
Police are urging anyone with information that could assist in the investigation to come forward by contacting their nearest police station or calling Crime Stop anonymously at 08600 10111.