Orlando Pirates Goalkeeper Melusi Buthelezi Hijacked and Kidnapped
Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Melusi Buthelezi has emerged safely from a harrowing incident on Thursday night in Thokoza, Ekurhuleni, Gauteng, where he was hijacked and kidnapped.
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Details of the Incident
The South African Intelligence Bureau shared on their Facebook page that Buthelezi was abducted and held captive while travelling through Thokoza. Although the exact time of the incident was not disclosed, the Bureau used social media to provide information about the car he was driving.
Confirmation: Orlando Pirates Goalkeeper Melusi Buthelezi Hijacked and Kidnapped
Thandi Merafe, a representative from Orlando Pirates, confirmed the incident when contacted by The Citizen. Merafe assured everyone that Melusi Buthelezi was unharmed and requested that fans respect his privacy as he recovers from the trauma.
“Yes, it’s true. Our goalkeeper Mr Melusi Buthelezi was involved in a hijacking last night. The player is safe and unscathed. We are happy that he is safe and unharmed. As a club we kindly request that Melusi be given space to recover from this traumatic ordeal,” Merafe said.
Buthelezi’s Background and Previous Incidents
Buthelezi joined Orlando Pirates at the beginning of the 2023-24 DStv Premiership season after previously playing for TS Galaxy. The 25-year-old had the opportunity to showcase his skills for the club following Sipho Chaine’s injury during a match against Cape Town Spurs last year.
According to Hollywood Bets, this is not the first time Buthelezi has fallen victim to a hijacking. While playing for TS Galaxy in 2022, he sustained stab wounds during a hijacking incident while travelling with his brother.
