Uncategorized

Alize van der Merwe released by kidnappers

Alize van der Merwe, who was kidnapped in Mthatha in the Eastern Cape on Friday, 20 September, has been released.

The 39-year-old have been travelling on the N2 from East London to a resort in Port St Johns on the Wild Coast.

Van der Merwe’s last communication with her family was around 11:30 on Friday when she mentioned she was planning to stop, likely at the Shell Ultra City in Mthatha.

That same afternoon around 15:13, her family received a call for a ransom.

The amount of the ransom has not been divulged.

Hawks confirmed that two women were released

On Thursday just after lunch, the Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigation – known as the ‘Hawks’ – in the Eastern Cape confirmed that Alize van der Merwe and another woman, aged 34, had been rescued.

“The Hawks can confirm that two victims were released by the suspects on 26 September 2024 at approximately 12:15 in the afternoon.

“It is reported the victims were dropped by a white Toyota single bakkie nearby Sulenkama police station,” said Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana.

According to IOL, he said the victims were released following “pressure exerted by the police” on the suspects.

“Further reports divulged that the victims are traumatised and have been taken to the nearest hospital for medical attention.”

Meanwhile, the 34-year-old victim is believed to be a Chinese national who was kidnapped between Elliot and Barkley East on 17 September.

This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly. Please refresh the page for the fullest version.

Source link

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *