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- CCTV cameras at a petrol station in Emalahleni, Mpumalanga, have captured the moment three men forced a handcuffed man into their car.
- The viral video shows the man attempting to escape while a petrol attendant fills the car.
- The suspects handed themselves over to the police and were expected to appear in the Emalahleni Magistrate's Court on Monday on charges of kidnapping.
Three men accused of kidnapping a 34-year-old gardener in Emalahleni, Mpumalanga, handed themselves over to police last week.
They were expected to appear in court on Monday.
The suspects, aged 27, 31 and 35, went to the Witbank police station early on Friday where they were arrested, and their vehicle impounded.
Mpumalanga police spokesperson Brigadier Selvy Mohlala said in a statement the gardener was kidnapped on Thursday while working outside a house in Reyno Ridge.
"According to the victim, a grey Toyota Avanza with three male occupants stopped next to him and accused him of stealing their plants," Mohlala added.
"The three males then handcuffed the victim and forced him into the back of the vehicle."
They drove around Emalahleni with the victim before stopping for petrol at an Engen garage.
CCTV cameras at Broadway Motors captured the moment the gardener tried to escape.
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The footage shows the suspects force him back into the Avanza while a petrol attendant fills up the car.
Mohlala said they then made their way to Delmas. "The victim was eventually dropped off in a field near Delmas town."
He made his way to the Delmas police station and opened a kidnapping case.
Engen spokesperson Gavin Smith told News24 the footage was captured at Broadway Motors in Emahlahleni, but declined to comment, referring News24 to the police.
"SAPS in Emalahleni are investigating. Please contact them for information," he said.
The National Prosecuting Authority could not confirm if the suspects appeared in court.
