A kidnapped Welgemoed woman has been freed. She was snatched on Friday from the family business in Parow Industria where she works. She was found yesterday in a house in Mfuleni. Brigadier Novela Potelwa says the abducted woman has been reunited with her family.
Abducted Welgemoed woman freed
Five suspects between the ages of 25 and 32 have been arrested. At this stage, it is not known if a ransom was demanded for the woman’s release.
The Western Cape Police Department says concerted efforts of the multidisciplinary Provincial Anti-kidnapping Task Team led to the arrest of the five male suspects.
Kidnapped woman reunited with her family
The 31-year-old woman was snatched in Parow Industria on Friday evening, 02 June 2023. She had left a family business where she works when she was kidnapped.
Provincial Police officers say her vehicle was later found abandoned at NY 99 in Gugulethu. The alarm was raised when she failed to return home, from work.
Freed Welgemoed woman, who was abducted last week, undergoing medical exams
Brigadier Novela Potelwa says several crimefighting organizations were involved in the search for her.
The Task Team includes these members/divisions:
- Provincial Organised Crime investigators
- Crime Intelligence
- DPCI
- Special Task Force members
- hostage negotiators
- City of Cape Town and the
- Provincial CSI team
She says, “Members of the Task Team have been working hard, pursuing leads and utilising several investigative techniques since the kidnapping was reported.”
READ MORE: Police say “Don’t pay ransom”
The kidnap victim is currently undergoing a medical examination to determine her well-being.
Police say the arrested suspects are between the ages of 25 and 32.
They face the following charges:
- face kidnapping
- hijacking
- human trafficking and
- extortion
Brigadier Novela Potelwa says they are due in court soon.
The South African Police website has some information about missing people.
When a person goes missing, it is of the utmost importance for the SAPS to fulfil our mandate to serve and protect the citizens of South Africa. It is essential to take steps and start the investigation into a missing person’s case immediately. You can assist the SAPS when reporting a missing person by following these steps:
- THERE IS NO WAITING PERIOD TO REPORT A MISSING PERSON!
Report a missing person at your nearest police station immediately.
- Produce a recent photograph of the missing person, if possible.
- Give a complete description of the missing person’s last whereabouts, the clothes that they were wearing, as well as any information that can assist the investigating officer.
- Complete and sign a SAPS 55(A) form. This form safeguards the SAPS from hoax reports and indemnifies the SAPS to distribute the photograph and information of the missing person.
- Obtain the investigating officer’s contact details, and send any additional information that might become available.
- If a missing person is found or returns voluntarily, inform the investigating officer immediately. A SAPS 92 form must be completed to inform the Bureau of Missing Persons that the missing person’s report can be removed from the circulation system.
