NELSPRUIT – The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has gladly welcomed the news regarding a girl who was kidnapped, as she was found alive. Thanks to the team of members who worked tirelessly and successfully managed to trace and bring the girl back home safe. The 19-year-old female was reportedly kidnapped by an armed man at her home in Kwamhlanga in the early hours of Tuesday, 15 March 2022.
As a result police, received information pertaining to the whereabouts of the 31-year-old suspect which led them to Enkangala where he was arrested and detained pending further investigation in relation to the kidnapping incident.
According to the report, on the said day at about 03h00 am, five females were traveling home in their car, from a function. As they arrived home and were about to get inside the yard, they were allegedly accosted by an armed man, alighting from a Silver Grey Toyota Legend 50 that had no registration number plates.
It is further alleged that the 19-year-old female earlier called her mother whilst they were still on their way home, indicating to her that they were being followed by a strange bakkie for a while and, at some stage the driver of the bakkie (who is also a suspect) reportedly flashed his vehicle lights for them but they ignored him. They later thought that he stopped following them however, the ladies were shocked when the man alighted from his vehicle with a firearm in his hand as they arrived home.
The mother who received a call reportedly went out of her house upon their arrival, only to meet the ladies at the gate being held at gunpoint by the suspect who accused them of stealing some items from his liquor outlet. The mother decided to return to the house, to fetch a torch so that she could help search for the things that the man was looking for in their car as it was too dark. When she returned from the house, she was flabbergasted when she saw the bakkie driving away with her daughter whilst the other four ladies remained in shock. It then dawned that the man orchestrated to kidnap the lady but then came up with stories just to cover-up his evil acts.
Thereafter there were reportedly attempts by some members of the public to give chase but all their efforts seemed futile. The matter was then reported to the police at Kwamhlanga and a case of kidnapping was opened. An investigation team was put in place whereby resources were assembled in order to follow the tracks of the suspect before it was too late. The girl was reportedly blindfolded and repeatedly raped by the suspect.
Police, on the other hand worked around the clock to ensure that the kidnapped lady is returned home safely to her family as well as to make sure that the suspect was brought to book. The girl was them dropped off and later to be found at a certain fuel station at Menlyn in Pretoria in the early hours of today, Wednesday, 16 March 2022. She then related her ordeal to the police.
A case of kidnapping with additional charges of rape and assault was opened. Police still continues with their investigation.
Meanwhile the Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela felt proud about the outstanding work by members at Kwamhlanga. “This is the type of members that we need in order to win the war against crime. We really appreciate the efforts that they have put in ensuring the safe return of the young lady. We are also glad that the suspect was arrested as well. We hope that the law will take its course.” said the General.
Source: South African Police Service