A 29-YEAR-OLD man's family fears for the worst after he was abducted by "Mapogo a Mathamaga", who accused him of cattle theft in March.

A 29-YEAR-OLD man's family fears for the worst after he was abducted by "Mapogo a Mathamaga", who accused him of cattle theft in March.

Moses Phala of Maandagshoek in Limpopo was last seen when nine men, who claimed to be members of the notorious security company, forced him into their car and drove off.

Phala's sister, Miriam Ngwatle, said he was kidnapped for the first time in April and kept for four days.

"They tortured him by burning his hands and legs but released him when they realised he was not the person they wanted," Ngwatle said

"They begged him not to open a case against them."

Doctors advised Phala to go to the police. Two men, Johannes Matlakala and Maponye Moloto, were arrested.

"The police mysteriously released them the following day," Ngwatle said.

"A week later Phala was forced into a car again by Matlakala and a group of people.

Phala has not been seen since.

Matlakala, Moloto, Komsasa Mohubedu, Semputana Matjipa, Mapoye Moloto, Masakeng Mokoena, Cedric Sekgobela and two other men were arrested and later released on bail.

"They appeared in court three times but refused to reveal where phala was taken," Ngwatle said. "The divination from an inyanga is that he has been killed."

Limpopo provincial spokesman Superintendent Mohale Ramatseba confirmed that Phala was missing and that the case was being investigated.

Mapogo has distanced itself from the incident.