BLOEMFONTEIN – The police in Bloemfontein have launched a manhunt for a group of six suspected robbers in connection with the purported kidnapping and robbery of a 23-year-old man on Sunday 13 September. The matter is being investigated by officers of the Parkweg Police Station.

Lt Col Thabo Covane, provincial police spokesperson, said the suspects include five men and one woman. He said the victim reported the suspects were armed with knives and were travelling in a white Toyota Quantum. The incident reportedly took place between 16:00 and 16:50.

Covane said the suspects apparently deceived the victim by pretending they were going to the same downtown area, in St Andrew’s Street. The suspects reportedly drove to two different locations in the city before releasing the victim unharmed.

Covane said the suspects released the victim after robbing him of his valuable belongings in the Westdene suburb.

“According to the victim, he was waiting for public transport in McHardy Avenue in Brandwag when the minibus stopped, and he informed the occupants that he was going to St Andrews Street, downtown. The complainant boarded the mini bus which travelled until Second Avenue, Westdene, where two of the five men took out knives and robbed him. The suspects took the victim’s Samsung A06 cellular telephone, sneakers, Nike soccer boots, and a black bag,” said Covane.

He said the victim reported that the suspects then dropped him off in Albrecht Street in the Dan Pienaar residential suburb.

A case docket for kidnapping and robbery was opened at the Parkweg Police Station. Any member of the public who can help the police locate the white Toyota Quantum and the six suspects is requested to contact Capt. Jean Marais at 082 779 8860. Alternatively, information can be submitted via the MySAPS app or by calling the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111.

READ ALSO: Police hunt guard suspected of stealing thousands from store safe