Young biokineticist still missing after Gqeberha kidnapping

Biokineticist Riana Pretorius, who was kidnapped in Pickering street in Newton Park in Gqeberha on Thursday morning is still missing. UPDATE Fri 24 March: Gqeberha biokineticist Riana Pretorius found alive and unharmed

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RIANA PRETORIUS WAS KIDNAPPED OUTSIDE THE MEDICAL PRACTICE

According to Hawks spokesperson for the Eastern Cape, Captain Yolisa Mgolodela, the young biokineticist was still missing on Thursday evening.

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Mgolodela said the Hawks are investigating the matter.

The 26-year-old was kidnapped outside a medical practice in Newton Park. She was allegedly forced into a white Toyota Corolla by armed men.

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AN ARMED MAN HAS BEEN ARRESTED AND POLICE HAVE LOCATED THE VEHICLE

Mgolodela said the Hawks managed to arrest an armed man and have recovered the car that was used, but there is still no sign of Riana.

Her family and friends have asked the public to continue to pray for her safe return.

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KIDNAPPINGS IN SOUTH AFRICA RAPIDLY INCREASING

Kidnappings surged in South Africa in the second quarter of last year, with over 4 000 cases reported to the police between July and September 2022.

The rate doubled compared to the same period last year.

Total contact crimes increased by 18.5% during this period under review.

Tonight, one Gqeberha resident wrote: “A lot of us P.E woman won’t sleep easy tonight. I do most of my business within a kilometre radius of her abduction, yet when we report suspicious vehicles hanging around with no-good occupants, it’s brushed off. It could have been any one of us.”