Eastern Cape police are fervently searching for a 41-year-old woman, Rajathi Gnanaraj, who was kidnapped outside her workplace in Deal Party, Gqeberha, on Friday evening.
The incident has raised significant concerns in the community, and authorities are calling for public assistance to trace her whereabouts.
According to Captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg, the spokesperson for the Eastern Cape police, the kidnapping occurred around 6 PM when Gnanaraj and her husband were in their vehicle parked on Old Grahamstown Road.
Approximately seven armed men approached their car. When Gnanaraj refused to open her door, the assailants smashed the window and forcibly pulled her into a silver Toyota Corolla, driving off in the direction of New Brighton. The suspects later switched to a red Haval, leaving Gnanaraj’s husband behind in their vehicle.
The motive for the kidnapping remains unclear at this stage. Police have launched an investigation into the incident and are appealing to the public for any information that could assist in locating Gnanaraj.
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Individuals who may have information are urged to contact SAPS Mount Road, Captain Elaine Metelerkamp, at 082 779 7186, Crime Stop at 08600 10111, or the nearest police station. All information provided will be treated with the utmost confidentiality, and callers can remain anonymous.
This kidnapping echoes a similar incident that occurred two weeks prior when Calvin Naidoo, a 51-year-old businessman from Gqeberha, was kidnapped outside his workplace.
Naidoo was rescued a few days later after being held for ransom by balaclava-clad robbers. As in Gnanaraj’s case, the kidnappers also used hijacked vehicles. Police are looking into any potential links between the two incidents.
