Three men, aged between 30 and 32, appeared before the Carolina Magistrate’s Court on charges of kidnapping, assault with an intent to cause grievous bodily harm, as well as murder. The trio was arrested on 4 September 2020. Their arrest follows an investigation by the SAPS, which revealed details of an incident that took place on Friday, 14 August 2020. It is alleged that the three men were driving in a vehicle, where they stopped upon noticing two males, aged 22 and 35.

Allegations state that the two were then forced by these suspects into their vehicle, and were taken to a storeroom, where they were severely assaulted with an iron pipe as a form of punishment for allegedly insulting their colleague.  The matter was reported to the police, and the victims were taken to hospital after sustaining serious injuries. One of the victims made a statement to the police, and a case was opened.

The victim later succumbed to his injuries in hospital on 1 September 2020. The second victim survived the attack. Preliminary investigations has since revealed that, amongst the men fingered in the whole saga, one is employed as manager at a local chain store. The other two suspects were found to be an assistant and a security guard. The case has been postponed to 16 September for further investigation, and formal bail hearing. The suspects have been remanded in custody.