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Four suspects aged between 16 and 28 are expected to appear in the Eshowe Magistrates' Court in KwaZulu Natal on Thursday for allegedly assaulting and kidnapping a man they accused of theft.
Police Spokesperson Captain Nqobile Gwala says officers from Mandelin SAPS were filling their car with petrol at a local station when they heard a man screaming for help.
She says the members realised the screams were coming from a vehicle that had driven past them and the members gave chase.
Gwala says once they intercepted the vehicle, with four occupants, they ordered them to open the boot where they found a severely beaten man.
The suspects told police that the 31-year-old man was a thief.
The men in the car were arrested and the victim was taken to a hospital for treatment.
The suspects will be charged with kidnapping and assault.