Melusi Buthelezi became the victim of a harrowing hijacking and abduction incident in Vosloorus, marking another unsettling episode for the Orlando Pirates goalkeeper.
UPDATE: Buthelezi’s club, Orlando Pirates, have since released a statement confirming the goalkeeper is safe and unscathed, following reports he was abducted in a harrowing hijacking. “As a Club, we are happy that he is safe and unharmed, and further like to make an appeal that Melusi be given space to recover from this traumatic ordeal,” the statement read. See the original story below.
Melusi Buthelezi reportedly abducted in Vosloorus hijacking
According to reports, the distressing event unfolded on Friday in Thokoza, where Buthelezi was intercepted while driving his grey Volkswagen Golf, distinguished by the registration HW24NRGP.
Authorities were promptly alerted and have since been mobilised to ensure his safe recovery.
Since joining Orlando Pirates at the onset of the 2023/24 DStv Premiership season from TS Galaxy, the 25-year-old has showcased his talent, initially stepping in due to Sipho Chaine’s injury.
Despite recent adjustments to the team’s lineup, Buthelezi’s contribution to the squad remains invaluable, adding weight to the gravity of the current situation.
This incident marks a recurring nightmare for Buthelezi, who had previously endured a hijacking in 2022 alongside his brother, during which he sustained stab wounds.
That ordeal led to both siblings being hospitalised, with Buthelezi’s brother in a critical condition.
The omen of Orlando Pirates goalkeepers in Vosloorus
The coincidence of this incident happening to an Orlando Pirates goalkeeper in Vosloorus was not lost on social media conspiracy theorists, considering former Buccaneer skipper Senzo Meyiwa was killed in a supposed robbery in the same township 10 years ago.
Of course, the latter has since culminated in a dramatic and long-drawn-out trial set to return to court on Monday, 4 March 2024.