Five people aged between 18 and 47 appeared in the Empangeni Magistrate's Court in KwaZulu-Natal on Monday on charges of attempted murder, kidnapping and robbery.

According to police spokesperson Captain Nqobile Gwala, it is alleged that a 23-year-old man was accosted by armed attackers in Biyela Street in Empangeni, who then forced him into a vehicle and drove away.

"The suspects stopped the vehicle in the Ndlangubo area where they were joined by another four suspects who [allegedly] assaulted [the victim], stabbed him with a sharp instrument and hacked him with bush knives," Gwala said.

"His two cellphones and sandals were also taken by the suspects. He was rescued by a passer-by, who took him to a hospital.

"The matter was reported to the Empangeni police station and a case of attempted murder, kidnapping and robbery was opened. An intensive investigation led to the arrest of the five suspects [on Friday]."

KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant General Khombinkosi Jula welcomed the arrests.

They will appear in court again on 9 June.