The South African Police Service [SAPS] in Mpumalanga are investigating a possible staged kidnapping involving a Premier Soccer League [PSL] player, whose kidnappers demanded a ransom of R50 000 for his release.
Despite not mentioning the name, a statement from the SAPS on Wednesday matches the description of Marumo Gallants player Thapelo Dhludhlu, who was recently reported to be missing. The PSL star was reportedly last seen on the weekend of 26-27 June 2026 during the off-season break. It is alleged that his disappearance was brought to the police’s attention by his family.
The 27-year-old was reported to have been reunited with his family on Tuesday. Reports of his safety were confirmed by the South African Football Players Union [SAFPU], who also requested privacy.
MPUMALANGA POLICE SAY PSL STAR MAY HAVE FAKED HIS OWN KIDNAPPING
“The Police investigation suggests that the soccer player might have faked his own kidnapping,” said acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi.
“It is further alleged that the player’s family received a call from an unknown person using the player’s phone. The caller claimed that the said player had been kidnapped and demanded a ransom for his release.
“Concerned about his safety, the player’s family went to Witbank Police Station on Sunday, 05 July 2026, and then opened a case of kidnapping for ransom. The Police immediately deployed Detectives as well as resources to investigate and locate the alleged victim.
“Later that same afternoon, the player arrived home safely. During follow-up investigations and questioning by Detectives, it came out that no ransom was paid, and the kidnapping seems not to have taken place.
“The matter is currently under investigation and Police are considering appropriate charges, including defeating the ends of justice.”
MORE INFORMATION SURFACE ON THE ALLEGED KIDNAPPING OF THAPELO DHLUDHLU
Meanwhile, Major General Mkhwanazi has emphasised that community members should refrain from reporting false crimes.
“Staging a crime can never be tolerated, and such behaviour comes with consequences. When false reports are made, Police divert limited state resources like vehicles, personnel, and time that could have been channelled to respond to genuine cases where people’s lives could really be in serious danger,” added the General.
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