Kidnappers demand ransom for woman abducted on N2 in Eastern Cape

Alize van der Merwe

Cape Town – Police and private investigators are working to locate 39-year-old Alize van der Merwe, who was kidnapped on Friday afternoon while travelling on the N2 from East London to Umngazi Resort in Port St Johns.

Van der Merwe, who flew from Cape Town earlier that day, was last heard from around 11:30 am, telling her parents she was heading toward the Shell Ultra City rest stop in Mthatha, reorts said.

Her rental vehicle, a white Toyota Fortuner, was later found abandoned with her belongings and cellphone inside.

The Hawks confirmed that the kidnappers have contacted Van der Merwe’s family, demanding a ransom.

“Reports indicate that the family received phone calls from the suspects demanding a ransom.

“The Hawks are investigating a kidnapping case, and the police are working around the clock to rescue the victim unharmed. The investigation is still ongoing,” The Citizen quoted Hawks spokesperson Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana as saying.

However, details of the demand have not been disclosed.

Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward to aid in the investigation.

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Compiled by Betha Madhomu

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