Cape Town – A 41-year-old woman, Rajathi Gnanaraj, who was kidnapped by seven armed criminals in Gqeberha on August 2, 2024, has been safely reunited with her family.
The rescue, which took place on the evening of August 8, was made possible through the concerted efforts of the Hawks, a multidisciplinary team, and community support, reports said.
“We are indeed relieved to announce that a 41-year-old victim who was recently kidnapped has been safely reunited with her family.
“The investigation remains active and ongoing. As such, it is respectfully requested that the family and the victim be given the necessary space and privacy to recover and calm down after this traumatic experience,” IOL quoted Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Avele Fumba as saying.
Gnanaraj was abducted from her car outside her workplace.
A 41-year-old woman has been kidnapped outside her workplace in Deal Party, Gqeberha.
Rajathi Gnanaraj and her husband were sitting in their vehicle in Grahamstown Road when they were approached by seven armed suspects last night,
Police say the suspects smashed the vehicle’s…
— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) August 3, 2024
The suspects forcibly entered the vehicle by smashing the window, then dragged Gnanaraj into a silver Toyota Corolla before fleeing the scene.
“The suspects pulled the victim from her vehicle into a silver Corolla and drove off in the direction of New Brighton,” Algoa FM quoted police spokesperson, Captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg as saying at the time.
“Thereafter, the suspects got into a red Haval and drove off.”
Gnanaraj’s husband was left behind unharmed.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have requested privacy for Gnanaraj and her family as they recover.
Details regarding any ransom paid have not been disclosed.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
