Body of kidnapped man found in river after he was brutally dragged behind a vehicle

A 23-year-old man who was kidnapped could only be identified by parts of his tattoos after he was allegedly dragged behind a vehicle and his body dumped in a river.

IT WAS CLEAR THAT HE WAS DRAGGED BEHIND VEHICLE

According to Reaction Unit SA (RUSA) spokesperson Prem Balram, Mthobisi Ngcobo was kidnapped on Monday, 7 February 2022.

“A vendor working in the Verulam Bus Rank confirmed that five (5) armed men were seen forcing Ngcobo into a silver/grey Toyota Etios at gunpoint. The vendor recorded the registration plates.

“Reaction Officers initially believed that the vehicle belonged to Law Enforcement, however after ownership was traced, it was found to be privately owned,” Balram said.

Mgcobo was unemployed & resided in Cottonlands in Kwazulu Natal at the time of his kidnapping.

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MGCOBO WAS KIDNAPPED ON MONDAY BY FIVE ARMED MEN

“He is an ex-pupil of Mt View Secondary School. Ngcobo had tattoos on both his arms with the words “Mthobisi” and “Buhle” on each hand & stars and feet inked alongside. At the time of his disappearance, he was attired in a pair of black jeans, green jacket & a grey/black size seven (7) Diesel takkies.”

On Friday morning, his devastated family received the horrible news of his death.

“Ngcobo was found in the Inanda River with his hands bound behind his back. It is believed that he was tied to a vehicle and dragged before his body was dumped in the river in an attempt to remove the tattoos that would identify him. This could not be confirmed,” Balram said.

He furthermore said Mthobisi Ngcobe is survived by his 14-month-old child.

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Police could not yet confirm or provide more information on the kidnapping or murder.