Nkangala District Municipal Manager, Maggie Skosana, and her driver Gugu Mtsweni, who went missing last week after they were accosted as they entered the council’s premises, were on Thursday found alive in Diepsloot, Gauteng.
Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Colonel Donald Mdhluli, said the two were found after they were allegedly dumped by their assailants.
“It is said that both were reportedly dumped by their assailants in the bushes near the N14 road in Diepsloot. It is said that the driver was tied up with rope but she somehow managed to maneuver to the road, where a taxi driver saw her as she was looking for help. She then related the story to the taxi driver, who then immediately informed the police.
“The police then went with them to the bushes where the Municipal Manager was found. After going to Diepsloot police station, the two victims were taken to hospital and then later reunited with their families in the early hours of this morning, Thursday, 27 October 2022,” Mdhluli said.
The suspects are still at large.
This development comes as a breakthrough to the kidnapping, incident which started a week ago on Thursday, 20 October 2022 in Middleburg.
Mdhluli said according to information received, it is said that the victims were attacked at the municipality premises gate before they could enter.
Reports indicate that the victims were stopped by suspects in a white sedan.
He said both vehicles – that of the victims and the suspects – were seen driving to the same direction following each other.
Soon after the incident was reported, the Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela, immediately assembled resources then established an investigation team consisting of experts in the field of investigation to ensure that the two victims are brought back safe and alive.
She said the victims’ vehicle was recovered on the same day, abandoned in one of the surrounding mines in Middelburg.
“A wheelchair, as well as other properties of the victims, was also recovered, together with the abandoned vehicle. However, there was no sign of the victims… The team worked around the clock, spending sleepless nights since the news of the kidnapping broke. The collaboration between members of the police in Mpumalanga and members of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) in Gauteng assisted in the probe.”
Manamela has expressed her gratitude to all members from both the Gauteng DPCI and Mpumalanga, as well as the taxi driver who acted as a good Samaritan upon seeing the Municipal Manager’s driver calling for help on the road.
The General also thanked everyone who contributed in the investigation, as well as the support received from the entire Police Management and the Office of the Premier in Mpumalanga. The General further appreciated members of the public for their contribution.