OfusͳinͲeͲssͲmͲͲan’ro’bebretd›

MBABANE - A well-known Mbabane businessman has lost property valued at over E100 000, after he was held hostage by unknown gunmen together with his family.

Information gathered was to the effect that the businessman was attacked and further held hostage by unknown gunmen while at his homestead on the outskirts of the city centre. It is said the gunmen demanded valuable items such as cellphones and money from the businessman and his family. It is alleged that the gunmen then drove the businessman to one of the automated teller machines (ATM) and forced him to withdraw money, which he surrendered to them in fear for his life.

Intruders

It is said that the intruders were so intimidating that they were feared even after they had left. The businessman and his family had not recovered from the trauma when sought for comment yesterday. The businessman requested not to say anything in fear for his life and that for his family, concerning the incident.

Chief Police Information and Communications Officer Superintendent Phindile Vilakati confirmed the report of family that was held hostage by unknown people. Vilakati said the stolen items amounted to over E100 000. She said investigation were ongoing.

Another businessman, who had knowledge of the matter, said the police must get to the bottom of the case. “This is disheartening. We are businesspeople who employ people and if such crime is not given the attention it deserves, a lot of people will suffer the consequences,” he said briefly. He implored the police to be quick with their investigations to deter other would-be offenders.