Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Melusi Buthelezi recently experienced a harrowing ordeal when he was hijacked and held hostage in Thokoza, Ekurhuleni. Buthelezi, who is also part of the national team Bafana Bafana, was driving his grey VW when the incident occurred. This unfortunate event marks the second time in two years that Buthelezi has fallen victim to hijackers.
In 2022, he faced a similar situation while traveling with his brother. During that incident, both brothers suffered stab wounds and were hospitalized, with his brother left in critical condition. Now, once again, Buthelezi was hijacked just a day before Orlando Pirates were scheduled to travel to Limpopo to face Polokwane City in a match.
The club’s communication officer, Thandi Merafe, confirmed the incident to Soccer Laduma, stating, “Yes, it is true. Our goalkeeper, Mr. Melusi Buthelezi, was involved in a hijacking last night. The player is safe and unscathed. We are relieved that he is unharmed and would like to appeal for Melusi to be given space to recover from this traumatic experience.”
According to police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi, the incident occurred around 20:40 pm. Buthelezi and his friends were sitting on the street when three unknown men approached them. The suspects robbed them of their personal belongings, including wallets and cellphones, before forcibly taking one of the victims and driving off with his vehicle. Fortunately, Buthelezi was returned safely.