Louis Trichardt prays for the safe return of kidnapped businessman

Date: 18 October 2024 By: Andries van Zyl

The Louis Trichardt community united on Friday evening in prayer for the safe return of well-known businessman Eddie Gouveia (51), who was kidnapped on Wednesday evening.

Community members from all religions and races gathered in front of Gouveia’s business, Fire Fly, where he was abducted. Candles were lit to symbolise light in the darkness of life. Those present described it as a very emotional gathering.

Gouveia was kidnapped just after 20:00 on Wednesday, 16 October. No further information is available at this time.

On Friday morning, provincial police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Malesela Ledwaba explained that the police do not disclose details of active kidnapping cases to the media, as this could endanger the lives of victims or their families. South Africa is currently experiencing a surge in kidnappings, which many describe as a national crisis.

The prayer meeting was organised by the AFM Church Louis Trichardt. In addition to praying for Gouveia's safe return, they also prayed that the scourge of crime, abuse, and poverty in Louis Trichardt will end. “Take back what the enemy has stolen from us, in the wonderful name of Jesus Christ, our Saviour,” said Pastor Evan Corbett of the AFM Louis Trichardt.

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Andries van Zyl

Andries joined the Zoutpansberger and Limpopo Mirror in April 1993 as a darkroom assistant. Within a couple of months he moved over to the production side of the newspaper and eventually doubled as a reporter. In 1995 he left the newspaper group and travelled overseas for a couple of months. In 1996, Andries rejoined the Zoutpansberger as a reporter. In August 2002, he was appointed as News Editor of the Zoutpansberger, a position he holds until today.