Pretoria woman found safe after robbery sparked large-scale search
K9 and drone units searched near Rosslyn for a woman feared kidnapped after she and her companion were robbed during a prayer outing.
A woman feared kidnapped after she and a man were robbed during a prayer outing north of Pretoria was found safe at home after a massive search last night (October 12).
According to Pretoria Rekord local spokesperson Captain Johan van Dyk said police were investigating a case of common robbery.
According to Van Dyk, the couple had gone to pray in the hills when two men approached them and offered to walk with them.
The men allegedly told the couple it was too dangerous for them to walk alone and offered to accompany them for their safety.
However, at a remote spot, the men allegedly robbed the couple of their belongings. Van Dyk said the male victim ran away to seek help, leaving the woman behind.
According to ProShield Security, the man raised the alarm at nearby Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) offices.
Search teams deploy air and ground units
Responders initially reported that the couple had been kidnapped and robbed in an open field northeast of the Rosslyn industrial area.
The Emergency Support Team (EST) said its members responded to a request for assistance in the Klerksoord area that evening, where TMPD members were already on the scene.
A large search operation followed, involving TMPD, AfriForum Noord van die Berg, EST and private security responders.
ProShield deployed its drone and K9 units to assist, with the drone supporting teams searching the surrounding area on foot.
Van Dyk said emergency services were notified and a drone was used to search for the woman.
Missing woman walks home safely
However, the woman had made her way home and was waiting there while search teams continued looking for her.
EST said she was located safely shortly after 22:00.
According to ProShield, teams had conducted an extensive search by air and on the ground before withdrawing from the initial search area to check other possible locations, including the woman’s home. TMPD members subsequently confirmed that she was safe.
While initial reports raised fears of kidnapping, police confirmed that the case under investigation was one of common robbery.
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