By Akani Nkuna
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi said on Sunday that suspects linked to the kidnapping of spaza shop owner Mazwi Kubheka include South African and foreign nationals, but authorities have not confirmed whether the crime is tied to spaza shop syndicates.
Kubheka, who had been missing since April 2, reappeared on Saturday after a month-long disappearance. His family had suspected he was abducted by rival traders.
“We can confirm that a South African and foreign nationals are involved, including individuals of Ethiopian origin,” Lesufi told reporters.
“Whether it is related to spaza shop activity or simply criminality remains a grey area under police investigation.”
Lesufi said Kubheka was held in a hijacked building and guarded by two Malawian nationals.
He added that the alleged mastermind, known to the victim, is a South African.
Lesufi was speaking at the Vosloorus police station, east of Johannesburg, where Kubheka presented himself after his release.
Kubheka’s disappearance triggered protests in Vosloorus in late April, with residents, political leaders and civic groups demanding his safe return.
Some protesters warned that foreign-owned spaza shops would be forced to close if he was not found.
Community members alleged the abduction was linked to so-called “spaza shop mafias”, accusing foreign nationals of targeting local business owners.
In a statement, Kubheka’s family said he was released by his captors on May 2 in an open veld in Ekurhuleni.
He was assisted by a taxi driver and later approached a police roadblock, where officers helped him after he identified himself.
He was subsequently taken to Vosloorus police station to give a statement before being transported to hospital.
“We are overwhelmed with gratitude to have him back home,” the family said.
“While he is safe, Mazwi is currently in a fragile condition and is receiving medical care and emotional support.”
Gauteng police commissioner Lieutenant-General Tommy Mthombeni said investigators have not established a link between the kidnapping and organised spaza shop crime.
“As part of the investigation, we have not yet confirmed the involvement of spaza shop criminal syndicates,” Mthombeni said.
“There are related cases we are following, but at this stage we cannot confirm a connection.”
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