WELKOM – Free State police are appealing to the public for assistance in locating a woman who may assist with an investigation into the alleged kidnapping and extortion of a 67-year-old pensioner.

The Provincial Organised Crime Investigation Unit is investigating the case after the pensioner was allegedly abducted and forced to hand over R55 000 to two men posing as police officers.

According to police, the incident occurred at about noon on Friday, 14 August, after the victim had arranged to meet a woman known as Selloane about a prospective job opportunity.

The meeting took place inside Selloane’s vehicle in a parking area in Potgieter Street, Dagbreek.

Police said that shortly after the meeting began, two unidentified African men approached the vehicle. They allegedly pulled both the victim and Selloane from the vehicle and claimed to be police officers.

The men allegedly told Selloane that she was under arrest before forcing both her and the pensioner into a white double-cab vehicle.

Selloane was later dropped off outside Thabong Police Station, while the suspects allegedly drove the pensioner to Odendaalsrus.

Pensioner allegedly forced to transfer money

On reaching Odendaalsrus, the suspects allegedly stopped beside the road and demanded money from the victim, threatening to take him to prison if he did not comply.

Fearing for his safety, the pensioner allegedly handed over his bank card. Money was subsequently withdrawn from his account.

Police said the suspects then demanded additional funds and instructed the victim to enter a bank with one of them and transfer money into two separate bank accounts.

A total of R55 000 was allegedly extorted from the victim.

After the transactions had been completed, the pensioner was reportedly driven back to Welkom and dropped off at an Engen filling station.

No arrests have been made and the investigation is continuing.

Police appeal for information

The woman shown in the photograph supplied by police has been identified as a person of interest. Investigators believe she may be able to provide information that could assist in the investigation.

Anyone who can help police locate her, or who has information about the alleged kidnapping and extortion, is urged to contact D/Sergeant Kabelo Molebatsi of the Provincial Organised Crime Investigation Unit on 072 190 7271.

Information can also be reported anonymously to Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or through the MySAPS App.

Police have urged members of the public not to approach the person of interest themselves, but to provide any information directly to investigators.

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