Eddie Gouveia, a well-known businessman from Louis Trichardt, has been safely reunited with his family after enduring over three months in captivity.
Eddie Gouveia reunited with his family after horror kidnapping
Gouveia, 51, was rescued earlier this week following a coordinated operation by a police task team.
His safe return was celebrated with a special prayer service in the community, marking the end of a harrowing ordeal that began in October 2024.
Gouveia was abducted on the evening of 16 October 2024, outside his business, Fire Fly, on Industrial Street.
He was forced into a vehicle by a group of suspects and driven to an undisclosed location.
Details of his rescue remain limited, but reports indicate he was found in Vuwani (Levubu), where he had been held captive.
Authorities have not yet issued an official statement regarding the specifics of the operation.
What’s the latest in the case against his abductors?
The number of suspects arrested in connection with Gouveia’s kidnapping has risen to eight, with those currently in custody hailing from South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Somalia.
The accused include Mishack Gumede (51), Nhlalwenhle Skhosana (32), Sakhile Gumbi (35), Khumbusani Nyathi (34), Ripfumelo Lodwish Ngobeni (29), Abdulmani Mahomed (54), Stanley Sithole (44), and Mulalo Mutswana (39).
The suspects appeared in the Louis Trichardt Magistrate’s Court earlier this month for a bail hearing, which has been postponed to March 2025.
They remain in custody while investigations continue.
Law enforcement officials have hinted that further arrests may follow in light of new evidence obtained during Gouveia’s rescue.