I support Orlando Pirates and I don’t care – Pirates goalkeeper hijacked by his fans

Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Melusi Buthelezi found himself at the center of a harrowing ordeal when he was hijacked and kidnapped on the East Rand on Thursday evening. 

However, the footballer has since been confirmed as “safe and unharmed” after the traumatic incident, according to police reports.

The incident unfolded at around 8:40 pm in zone 4 in Thokoza, where Buthelezi was sitting with friends on the street.

Three unknown individuals approached them, robbing all victims of their cellphones before forcibly taking Buthelezi and driving off with his vehicle, as detailed by police spokesperson Col Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi.

Buthelezi returned unharmed the following morning, with police confirming that a case of hijacking and kidnapping had been opened for investigation, although no arrests have been made as of yet.

Orlando Pirates spokesperson Thandi Merafe provided reassurance that Buthelezi was safe and urged for privacy to allow him to recover from the traumatic experience.

This unsettling incident marks the second time the 26-year-old player has been impacted by crime, with a previous car hijacking incident in 2022 resulting in him being stabbed in Soweto while visiting his ailing mother with his brother.

The gravity of these incidents sheds light on the vulnerability of public figures like Buthelezi to criminal acts and underscores the importance of safety and security measures.

As Buthelezi navigates this challenging period, the football community stands in solidarity with him, hoping for his swift recovery and continued resilience both on and off the field.


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