Four suspects are expected to appear in the Sasolburg Magistrate’s Court on Thursday (29/8) for hijacking and kidnapping a Bethlehem pastor and his wife.

Pastor Phillip Mashudu (55) and his wife, Elsie Mashudu (54), were found unharmed in Everton on Monday night after they were reported missing three days before.

The couple’s vehicle was found in Sebokeng on Sunday (25/8), but they were nowhere to be seen. After further investigations, the provincial task team arrested three suspects in Sharpeville.

Suspects arrested on charges of kidnapping and hijacking. Photo supplied

“The team left no stone unturned while searching and tracing the couple and last night a breakthrough was made that led to the arrest of three people in Sharpeville,” said Free State police spokesperson, Motantsi Makhele.

“Further investigation by the team led to a house in Everton where a fourth suspect was arrested and the couple was found.” Officials confiscated several bank cards at the address, as well as a substantial amount of cash and a toy gun, he said.

Bethlehem police looking for missing pastor and wife

Mashudu and his wife left Bethlehem on Friday (23/8) in their white Mercedes-Benz GLS to attend a church conference in Parys on Friday but never arrived. The family car was found in Sebokeng two days later.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame cg