[imagesource:smilefm]

Two alarming kidnapping-for-ransom cases have rocked the Western Cape’s scenic winelands region.

An elderly British national and a young woman were abducted in separate incidents in Robertson and Stellenbosch late last week, according to police reports. Both victims are being held for ransom, sparking widespread concern and a focused investigation by law enforcement.

Police spokesperson Capt Frederick C van Wyk said the 84-year-old woman was abducted at about 12:10PM on Friday on La Chasseur Road in Robertson, per TimesLive.

A multi-disciplinary law enforcement team swooped in on Saturday morning to rescue the woman after tracing her to an unoccupied shack in Zwelethemba, Worcester, where she had been held captive (see above).

Van Wyk said she was immediately taken to a medical facility for observation and that no arrests have yet been made.

Then, in another kidnapping, a 20-year-old woman left a restaurant in Plein Street, Stellenbosch at about 2:40 AM to walk to her residence nearby when she was grabbed by two men who stopped their vehicle and drove off with her.

“The suspects demanded a ransom from the family of the hostage. The family immediately paid the money and the victim was released on Friday.”

A case of kidnapping and extortion was opened for investigation. The authorities have also followed up and a vehicle of interest, a black BMW, was identified during the preliminary investigation.

“The licence plate recognition system was activated and the vehicle was successfully traced to the George area.”

“Two foreign national males aged 24 and 25 were found in the vehicle and detained for investigation. An undisclosed amount of cash was found in the car, including the phone used.”

Van Wyk asked anyone with information about the Robertson / Worcester incident, to contact the investigating officer Detective Brigadier Makhaya Mkabile on 082 2226746. You can also contact Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or send a message via the MySAPS App.

[source:timeslive]