NELSPRUIT – The Nkangala District Municipality Manager and her driver were both found alive in Diepsloot, Gauteng in the late hours of Wednesday 26 October 2022.

It is said that both were reportedly dumped by their assailants in the bushes near the N14 Road in Diepsloot. It is said that the driver was tied with some ropes but she somehow managed to maneuver to the road whereby a taxi driver saw her as she was looking for help. She then related the story to the taxi driver who then immediately informed the police. The police then went with them to the bushes where the Municipal Manager was found. After going to Diepsloot Police Station, the two victims were taken to hospital and then later reunited with their families in the early hours of this morning, Thursday 27 October 2022. The suspects are still at large.

This development comes as a breakthrough to the kidnapping incident which started a week ago on Thursday, 20 October 2022 in Middleburg.

According to information, it is said that the victims were attacked at the municipality premises gate before they could enter.

Reports indicate that the victims were stopped by suspects in a white sedan.

Both vehicles that of the victims and the suspects were seen driving to the same direction following each other.

Soon after the incident was reported, the Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela immediately assembled resources then established an investigation team consisting of experts in the field of investigation to ensure that the two victims are brought back safe and alive. The victim’s vehicle was recovered on the same day (20 October 2022) abandoned in one of the surrounding mines in Middelburg. The wheelchair as well as other properties of the victims were also recovered together with the abandoned vehicle however there was no sign of the victims. Be as it may, the team worked around the clock, spending sleepless nights since the news of the kidnapping broke. The collaboration between members of the police in Mpumalanga and members of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) in Gauteng assisted in the probe.

The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has expressed her gratitude to all members from both Organised Crime from National as well as the SAPS team in Mpumalanga and the taxi driver who acted as a good Samaritan upon seeing the Municipal Manager’s driven calling for help on the road. The General also thanked everyone who contributed in the investigation as well as the support received from the entire Police Management and the Office of the Premier in Mpumalanga. The General further appreciated members of the public for their contribution.

Source: South African Police Service