Cape Town — ActionSA have confirmed that two party members, Funzi Ngobeni and Hluphi Gafane, are safe after they were hijacked outside a Gafane’s home in Centurion on Tuesday night.
ActionSA reported that Gauteng premier candidate, Ngobeni, was visiting Gafane, the party’s chairperson of the youth forum, when the two men were approached by several gunmen and forced into the back of Ngobeni’s vehicle and then fled the scene, The Citizen reported.
They were hijacked in Olievenhoutbosch at 7 pm and held by the hijackers. They were eventually located in the Benoni area just before 11pm.
The party confirmed on X that the two party members were safe and in good health.
“Funzi and Hluphi have been recovered. We can confirm they are in good health despite what must have been a harrowing experience. They, along with their families, are deeply moved by the love and prayers of the ActionSA family as well as the overwhelming outpouring of support from South Africans. It is requested that they be afforded the space this evening to be with their families and recover from this ordeal.” the party said.
Funzi and Hluphi have been recovered. We can confirm they are in good health despite what must have been a harrowing experience.
They, along with their families, are deeply moved by the love and prayers of the ActionSA family as well as the overwhelming outpouring of support…
— ActionSA (@Action4SA) May 7, 2024
As reported by EWN, ActionSA leader, Herman Mashaba, revealed the details of the hijacking, but refused to speculate whether the incident was politically motivated or merely criminality.
“Funzi had gone to fetch something from Hluphi’s house. As they were getting out, I don’t know how many people came but these guys came with guns, put them at the back of Funzi’s car and drove away with them.” Mashaba said.
“You know in this country, because of the high levels of crime, I wouldn’t want to speculate – I don’t think it will be fair for me to speculate. But one thing for sure is that they’ve been hijacked or kidnapped with guns.” he added.
I would like to thank South Africans for their concern and prayers last night.
Fortunately, both Hluphi and I are safe after a harrowing experience.
I’ll be spending time with my family this morning before returning to work later today.
Thank you again for your support.
— Funzi Ngobeni (@Funzi_Ngobeni) May 8, 2024
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
