5 Foreign Nationals Rescued After Alleged Kidnapping Horror in Limpopo| May 2026

Limpopo police have rescued five foreign nationals who were allegedly held captive for nearly two weeks in the Levubu area, while two suspects linked to a kidnapping and ransom operation have been arrested.

The victims, believed to be between the ages of 18 and 24, were discovered during an intelligence driven operation conducted by the Provincial Organised Crime Unit. Authorities say the investigation started after a foreign national living in Giyani reported that unknown people were demanding ransom money for the release of his brother.

Police followed information that led them to a spaza shop in Valdezia Mambedi Village under the Levubu policing area. During the raid, officers arrested two foreign male suspects and confiscated illicit cigarettes, cellphones, and cash allegedly connected to illegal activities.

Further searches at the property uncovered five young men locked inside a room. According to police, the victims were found sitting on the floor in a distressed condition after allegedly being held for around 12 days.

Investigators believe the victims were kidnapped separately around Giyani before being forced into a truck and transported to the hideout. The men reportedly told police they were assaulted regularly, heavily guarded, and survived mainly on bread while their families were pressured to pay money for their freedom.

The arrested suspects, identified as Ethiopian nationals Misganu Gethchwe (24) and Teshal Tumebo (20), have already appeared in court on charges including kidnapping, possession of illicit cigarettes, and money laundering.

Police confirmed that two more suspects connected to the alleged syndicate are still on the run, and investigations are continuing.