Riana Pretorius, the biokineticist from Nelson Mandela Bay that was abducted from outside her workplace in Newton Park on March 16, finally broke her silence on social media.
The 26-year-old, that was returned safely to her family on March 24, has been silent about her ordeal ever since returning home but recently posted her gratitude for everyone’s prayers and thoughts on her Facebook page.
This post followed three days after a second suspect was arrested in connection with her kidnapping.
In the post, Pretorius said that she would like to express her heartfelt thanks on behalf of herself and her family.
“We were and continue to be humbled by the support of our family and friends during these hard times. Thank you so much for everyone’s prayers and thoughts. It came just when we needed it most! It is the wonderful actions of others that keep us going most days. We just want to say THANK YOU in the biggest way,” the post read.
“Our lives have been turned upside down, but we are getting back on track and looking forward to the future. The Lord has blessed us,” she concluded.
Pretorius was missing for eight days after being nabbed outside the Newton Medical Centre at approximately 08:00 when she arrived at work. A R2 million ransom was also demanded.
According to police information, three men allegedly fled with her in a white Toyota Corolla that was found in Deal Party the same day.
Two suspects have been arrested in the meantime and the investigation taken over by The Hawks.
The first to be arrested on the day of the kidnapping when he was found inside the car was Xolile Rawutini, whose bail application will take place on April 5 in the Gqeberha Magistrate’s Court.
On Tuesday, March 28, Xolani Kafile,40, was arrested and appeared in the same court the next day. His case was also postponed to April 5.
According to Hawks spokesperson, Captain Yolisa Mgolodela, Kafile was arrested by The Hawks on kidnapping charges related to Pretorius’s abduction.
She said that when Rawutini was arrested, the other suspects fled into nearby bushes and a 9mm Norinco firearm was subsequently recovered in the bushes.
“A further search at Rawutini’s residence in Motherwell led to the recovery of another firearm with its serial number filed off. Rawutini appeared in court on 20 and 24 March 2023. The matter against both accused was postponed to April 5, 2023 for formal bail application,” she said.
