ActionSA Gauteng Premier Candidate Funzi Ngobeni and chairperson of the party’s youth forum have detailed the chilling experience after they were hijacked and kidnapped in Olievenhoutbosch in Centurion.
The incident occurred on Tuesday evening. Fortunately, they were later found safe and unharmed in Benoni, East Rand, after several hours.
According to Ngobeni’s harrowing account of the incident, the day began like any other. They had campaign activities in Orange Farm. However, a technical issue with their campaign sound system prompted Ngobeni to seek assistance from Hluphi Gafane, who had a generator. Little did they know that this routine request would lead to a terrifying confrontation with armed assailants.
Suspicious car followed them
Ngobeni mentioned noticing a suspicious car trailing him, but dismissed it. Upon arriving at Gafane’s residence, they began to load the generator into Ngobeni’s vehicle. That was when three armed men approached them. Their intentions became chillingly clear as they ordered Ngobeni and Gafane into the car. They subsequently drove them to an unknown location.
During the hour-long drive, Ngobeni and Gafane were taken into the bushes, forced to lie on the ground. They were then robbed of their possessions, including bank cards, cell phones, identification documents, and Ngobeni’s laptop. However, Ngobeni stated that the most precious outcome of this ordeal was that they emerged physically unharmed.
He emphasised the importance of using their experience to bolster their resolve in combating crime in the province. Ngobeni stressed the need for collaboration with law enforcement agencies and community patrols to tackle crime effectively.
“For me as a provincial chairperson, I am even more committed to fight crime in this province. Working side-by-side with the [law enforcement agencies and patrollers]. It is a big fight and we do not know whether we will win it or not. But we need to make sure that future generations do not go through what we went through,” Ngobeni said.
Strengthened their commitment to fight crime
One particularly concerning aspect of the ordeal was the initial response from law enforcement. Gafane revealed that, despite their attempts to flag down a passing police van, they received no assistance. That was until intervention from higher authorities. This delay in response highlights the systemic challenges within the law enforcement system. It raises questions about the effectiveness of emergency response protocols.
“Before we got help, a police van drove past us and we tried to stop them but they drove past. From my mom’s experience at the police station, I know she was frustrated. The commissioner made contact with the station commander. And that is when the matter was taken seriously,” she said.
Safety of all citizens brought into focus
Both Ngobeni and Gafane emphasised that their ordeal should not evoke sympathy. It should rather serve as a wake-up call for authorities to take such cases seriously. They called for swift and decisive action to ensure the safety of all citizens. The duo emphased that no one should have to endure the trauma they experienced.
As investigations into the incident continue, Ngobeni and Gafane remain resolute in their determination to fight against crime. Not just for themselves but for the safety and security of future generations.
“We do not want sympathy, we are not special. Such cases should be taken seriously.”
