Kidnapped Johannesburg businesswoman Shireen Akhalwaya found safe

There was a wave of relief on Wednesday after Johannesburg businesswoman Shireen Akhalwaya was found safe following her kidnapping earlier this week, bringing a tense search to a successful conclusion.

The 72-year-old was abducted from her business premises in Fordsburg on Tuesday, sparking a major multi-agency operation involving specialised police units, private security teams and crime intelligence officers.

Her family confirmed that she has since been reunited with loved ones and is receiving medical care and support, as Yusuf Abramjee reported on Facebook.

In a brief statement, the family thanked South Africans for the overwhelming support they received during the ordeal.

‘Our family wishes to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who stood with us during this difficult time. We thank law enforcement agencies and all those who played a role in bringing her home safely.’

The family also requested privacy, saying no further details could be released because of the ongoing police investigation.

According to police, members of the SAPS National Crime Intelligence Anti-Kidnapping Unit were activated immediately after the kidnapping was reported on 7 July.

Investigators gathered crucial intelligence at the crime scene before expanding the operation across several locations in Johannesburg.

The investigation eventually narrowed in on the Jeppe area, where surveillance teams tracked down the suspects.

On Wednesday, officers intercepted the vehicle believed to have been used during the kidnapping and arrested three suspects.

Shortly afterwards, Akhalwaya was safely recovered and taken to a medical facility for assessment and treatment.

Police also seized the white Volkswagen Polo allegedly used in the kidnapping, along with several cellphones believed to be relevant to the investigation.

The successful rescue was the result of a coordinated effort involving numerous law enforcement and security teams.

Among those involved were:

SAPS National Crime Intelligence Anti-Kidnapping Unit
SAPS Gauteng Crime Intelligence Anti-Kidnapping Unit
SAPS Flying Squad
SAPS Gauteng Tracking Team
SAPS Hostage Negotiation Team (HNT)
Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department K9 Unit
Vision Tactical
CAP Special Operations
Fidelity Specialised Services
JT VIP

The coordinated operation highlights the increasing use of intelligence-led policing in responding to kidnapping cases, a crime that has become a growing concern in South Africa.

While the victim has been safely recovered, authorities say the investigation is far from over.

Police are expected to continue analysing evidence seized during the arrests as they work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the kidnapping and determine whether additional suspects were involved.

For now, the focus remains on supporting the victim’s recovery while investigators build their case against those arrested.

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Source: Yusuf Abramjee / Facebook