A woman who was reported missing on her way to an overnight prayer session in Newtown, Johannesburg, has been located alive, bringing relief to her loved ones and the broader community.
Mbalenhle “Miranda” Nkomo, a resident of Windmill Park in Ekurhuleni, was allegedly kidnapped by unidentified individuals on Friday night, triggering widespread concern and online discussions over the weekend.
Her husband, Sandile Nkomo, confirmed that she was discovered on Sunday afternoon after being dropped off by the suspected kidnappers at a fuel station.
According to Mbalenhle’s account, the suspects apparently targeted her by mistake, believing her vehicle belonged to someone else. “They panicked when they couldn’t find a tracking device in the car,” Sandile told local reporters. He added that the suspects drove all the way to KwaZulu-Natal on Saturday, only to return to Johannesburg the next day.
She was eventually released, along with her vehicle, once the captors realised their error. Although physically unharmed, Mbalenhle had not eaten since Friday and appeared deeply shaken by the experience.
The family has expressed gratitude for her safe return, while police have launched an investigation, including collecting fingerprints from the vehicle. Law enforcement confirmed that the car was seen on traffic cameras along the N3 near Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal, on Saturday morning.
The case, which has drawn widespread attention online, has reignited concerns about public safety, as incidents of kidnapping continue to rise across South Africa. Police investigations are ongoing, with no arrests made so far.
