Family of Mazwi Kubheka speaks out after missing brother escapes month-long captivity

The family of a Vosloorus spaza shop owner, who was found after being missing for a month, says he was kidnapped and tortured during his disappearance.

Gauteng police confirmed yesterday that 27-year-old Mazwi Kubheka reported to a local police station following an extensive search by rescue teams. While his return has brought relief, his family describes a harrowing aftermath.

Kubheka’s sister, Nomhle Kubheka, stated that her brother was found in a dire state and appears to be suffering from the psychological and physical effects of his captivity.

"We don’t know the extent of the torture that he suffered and we don’t know what they did to him," she said. "They probably gave him drugs because he is not himself."

READ: National police take over probe into missing Vosloorus spaza shop owner

Another sibling, Delisile Mofokeng, expressed deep gratitude for the community's support during the month-long search. She confirmed that Mazwi is currently receiving medical attention.

"I will never forget that phone call that I received from my sister; our lives changed," Mofokeng said.

"My brother is alive; he is currently at the hospital."

While the South African Police Service (SAPS) maintains that the motive for the kidnapping remains unknown, the incident has already taken on a political dimension.

ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba claimed he has it on "good authority" that undocumented foreign nationals were behind the abduction. Police have yet to confirm these allegations as investigations continue.