Missing Postmasburg woman found safe after kidnapping ordeal

A 20-YEAR-OLD woman who was reported missing on Wednesday afternoon has been found safe and unharmed, according to the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Northern Cape.

Zelné du Plessis was reported missing on June 4 after a terrifying incident in the Postmasburg CBD. According to SAPS spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Sergio Kock, Du Plessis had stopped at a four-way stop at approximately 4.30pm when two unknown men wearing balaclavas suddenly jumped into her vehicle and forced her to drive out of town.

The suspects reportedly kidnapped her, stole her cellphone, and made her drive towards the outskirts of Postmasburg. After her parents raised the alarm, a search operation was launched immediately by local authorities and concerned community members.

At approximately 7pm the same evening, Du Plessis was discovered on the Witsand gravel road between Postmasburg and Griekwastad. She was unharmed, and her vehicle was found with her.

“It is believed that the vehicle ran out of fuel, which led to the two suspects fleeing the scene on foot with only her cellphone,” Kock stated.

The police have since launched a search for the suspects involved in what is now being investigated as a case of carjacking, kidnapping, and robbery.

SAPS is urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who has any information about the suspects to contact the Postmasburg SAPS Detectives on 082 302 0391, call Crime Stop at 08600 10111, or use the MySAPS app. All information received will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.

The investigation is ongoing.