A Carletonville man abducted from his home has sparked concern among residents as police intensify efforts to locate him. The 23-year-old was taken from his room in Pyrite Street, and his captors have demanded a ransom for his release.
The case has once again highlighted the rising threat of kidnapping-for-ransom crimes in the Gauteng mining town.
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Shocking Abduction in a Quiet Neighbourhood
On 4 October 2025, a neighbour discovered that the victim’s door was left open. When the neighbour could not find him, they alerted the landlord and the man’s family. Soon after, the victim’s brother received a call confirming his worst fears: his sibling had been kidnapped, and the abductors were demanding R100 000 for his release.
At the time of publication, the young man had not yet been released, and Carletonville police had opened a formal kidnapping case. The incident forms part of a worrying trend of abductions that have recently gripped the Merafong area.
Police Response and Ongoing Investigation
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has confirmed that investigations are underway. Officers from the Anti-Kidnapping Task Team are collaborating with local detectives to trace the suspects and rescue the victim.
SAPS spokespersons have repeatedly warned communities to remain vigilant and report suspicious behaviour. According to a SAPS media statement, Gauteng recorded 144 kidnapping cases involving ransom demands between January and March 2025 alone. The specialised task team has rescued more than 100 victims and arrested over 170 suspects in the past year.
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Kidnapping-for-Ransom Crimes Rising in Gauteng
The Carletonville man abducted incident follows several similar cases in Khutsong, Blyvoor, and surrounding areas. Victims are often taken from their homes or vehicles, and families receive ransom calls shortly after.
A police investigator urged residents to use GPS tracking apps to assist in locating missing persons quickly. Community leaders have echoed these concerns, calling for tighter security measures and more visible policing.
Community Fear and Calls for Safety
Residents in Pyrite Street have expressed shock and fear following the latest abduction. “It’s frightening because this happened right next door,” one neighbour said. Many locals believe that economic hardship and organised crime are fuelling such incidents in the region.
The Merafong City Municipality has encouraged citizens to cooperate with police investigations and to avoid engaging directly with kidnappers. They’ve also urged the public to verify information before sharing it online, to protect victims’ safety and ongoing operations
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The case of the Carletonville man abducted, ransom demanded underscores a growing national concern about organised kidnapping syndicates. Police continue to investigate while the community waits anxiously for the young man’s safe return.
