Middelburg businessman kidnapped and killed
The first suspect to be charged in connection with the murder of Muhammad Nasir appeared in the Middelburg Magistrate’s Court yesterday. It follows the discovery of the Welcome Cash and Carry owner’s body in the boot of a silver Audi, found abandoned on a farm along the N11 on Wednesday, shortly after his abduction from Eastdene.
The accused’s identity cannot be published at this stage as an identification parade is still expected to take place, reports Middelburg Observer.
Kidnapping, murder caught on camera
Nasir was abducted from his house in Eastdene after reportedly returning from the mosque at around 17:20. His body was later found in the boot of the vehicle on a farm about 25km out of Middelburg along the Hendrina road (N11).
Video footage handed to police, and seen by the Middelburg Observer, shows Nasir being shot twice in the boot of the car by one of the suspects using what appears to be an AK-47. The footage also shows one of the bullets ricocheting and striking another suspect in the lower leg. One of the suspects is then seen wiping blood from the rear of the Audi.
The vehicle was later tracked and located by multidisciplinary groups, including the police, security, and emergency response teams. Bystanders spotted two suspects fleeing the scene on foot. A drone was utilised to assist with the arrest of one suspect.
Second kidnapping attempt on businessman
Nasir was a well-known businessman in Middelburg and the owner of Welcome Cash and Carry and Welcome Foods. A source, who asked to remain anonymous, told the publication that robbers allegedly attempted to abduct him at one of his businesses about three weeks ago, but he managed to escape unharmed.
Provincial police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane confirmed that police are conducting a manhunt for the remaining suspects. The provincial police office also confirmed earlier this week that a white Toyota may have been involved in the kidnapping.
Police have asked anyone with information about one of the suspects, seen carrying an automatic rifle on the video footage, to contact them.
During the abduction in Eastdene, there were reportedly five men involved, including the driver. However, when the Audi was later found abandoned on the farm, it could only be confirmed that two suspects jumped out and fled on foot. It is believed the others had been dropped off earlier.
A reliable source said information suggests the suspects drove off in the Toyota in another direction to obtain medical treatment for the gang member who sustained the gunshot wound to his leg.
No confirmation of link to Mbombela abduction
Ndubane could not confirm whether investigators are linking the Middelburg case to a separate abduction in Mbombela on Tuesday night.
That incident occurred when a businessman and his daughter stopped after another vehicle allegedly collided with them. Two men wearing balaclavas then reportedly forced them from their vehicle. Shots were fired, the daughter was left at the scene, and the businessman was abducted. Lowvelder reported yesterday that he is still missing.
