Kidnappers have demanded a ransom for the safe return of 39-year-old Alize van der Merwe, who was abducted while driving alone in the Eastern Cape.
Van der Merwe was travelling on the N2 highway from East London to the Umngazi Hotel & Spa in Port St Johns on the Wild Coast when she was kidnapped.
Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana confirmed the ransom demand but did not provide further details.
“The investigation is ongoing, and we are doing everything possible to ensure her rescue,” Mhlakuvana told News24.
Van der Merwe last contacted her family at around 11.30am on Friday, saying she planned to stop at Shell Ultra City in Mthatha.
A few hours later, at around 3.13pm, her family received a call informing them of her kidnapping.
According to Specialised Security Services, her white Toyota Fortuner was later found abandoned between Dumasi and the Umngazi resort.
A search is underway, with authorities working to locate and safely return Van der Merwe.
Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya, provincial head of the Hawks, urged anyone with information to report it to their nearest police station or call the Crime Stop number 08600 10111.
Compiled by Staff Writer
Pictured above: Alize van der Merwe.
Source: X
