Watch: Woman Kidnapped by Armed Suspects in Alrode in Broad Daylight
In a tragic development, a woman identified as Melissa van Vuuren was kidnapped by armed suspects in Alrode, Gauteng, on Thursday morning.
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Chilling CCTV Footage Reveals Abduction
The kidnapping was caught on CCTV, revealing the terrifying moment she was forced into a vehicle. The footage, dated August 22, 2024, at 07:35, shows a silver VW van parked outside a secure property in Alrode, Gauteng.
In the video, a man is seen approaching the gate when a BMW X5 drives into view. The BMW circles back and parks near the VW van. Suddenly, three heavily armed suspects rush out of the BMW, prompting the man to run for cover.
The suspects then forcefully abduct Melissa van Vuuren, shoving her into the BMW before speeding away.
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Current Status and Lack of Updates
At the time of reporting, Melissa van Vuuren remains in the custody of her kidnappers. It is unclear why she was targeted, as the suspects have not yet demanded a ransom.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has not released an official statement on the incident, and attempts to reach them for comment were unsuccessful.
Watch video of the woman being kidnapped in Alrode, Gauteng below:
Female kidnapped in Alrode area, Gauteng.#CrimeWatch pic.twitter.com/XuSYFLC8ZS
— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) August 23, 2024
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Mzansi Erupts After Woman is Kidnapped in Alrode, Gauteng
After the footage of the kidnapping was shared on X (formerly Twitter), South Africans expressed their shock and concern, wishing for Melissa’s safe return. Some blamed foreigners for the increase in kidnapping cases, while others speculated about a connection between kidnappings and drug busts. Here are some of the reactions:
@newsandchill:
Living in South Africa is a misery
@tony42code:
Kidnapping was never a South African crime. These new crime techniques was imported by foreigners
@BullDozerBoxing:
Everytime after a drug bust there’s a kidnapping story
@PatriotWatching:
Illegal immigration is a dangerous practice. These crimes are done people whom no one knows they’re in the country.
@MsAfrolicious:
There’s definitely a motive behind this kidnapping and pray they don’t harm her.This new trend of kidnapping people must come to an end.