Gauteng Woman Found Safe After Kidnappers Allegedly Mistook Her for Another Victim, SA Has Questions
- Mbalenhle Miranda Nkomo was reunited with her family after she was allegedly abducted by unknown men
- The Windmill Park woman was reported missing on Saturday, 2 August 2025, after she attended a prayer service
- South Africans were relieved that she was safe, but also questioned some of the details of her story
Source: Getty Images
Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.
GAUTENG – The family of Mbalenhle Miranda Nkomo is breathing a sigh of relief after she was found safe and sound, but South Africans have questions.
Nkomo, a resident of Windmill Park, Ekurhuleni, was reported missing by her husband on Friday, 1 August 2025. She was on her way to a midnight prayer service at a church in Newtown, Johannesburg, when he last had contact with her.
She was found on Sunday, 3 August, at a petrol station, after she was allegedly abducted by a group of men.
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What happened to Nkomo?
According to Nkomo, she was abducted by a group of unknown men who later claimed that they had taken the “wrong person in the wrong car”. Nkomo said that the men drove from Johannesburg to KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) on Saturday and returned on Sunday morning.
According to her husband, Sandile Nkomo, she alleged that the abductors panicked when they couldn’t find the vehicle’s tracker. She was left behind with her vehicle but was not physically harmed.
“She said they were looking for someone driving a similar vehicle. She hadn’t eaten since Friday, but otherwise she’s safe,” her husband said.
He explained that the police were examining the vehicle for fingerprints as part of the investigation.
Source: Getty Images
Husband pleads for wife’s safe return
On Saturday, 2 August, Nkomo appeared in an interview on SABC News where he appealed for any information about his wife. He explained that she left home for the prayer meeting and was supposed to pick up her mother along the way, but never did.
He could not reach her because her phone was off, but CCTV footage from the church proved that her vehicle was there until Saturday morning.
He also said that police told him the car was captured by highway cameras travelling on the N3 near Ladysmith in KZN on Saturday morning.
What do victims need to do after being abducted?
Speaking exclusively to Briefly News, Private Investigator Haroon Sader provided handy tips on what victims need to do when they are abducted.
Sader said that a person who is held captive must remain calm, build rapport with the suspects, and comply to avoid being harmed.
“Also, remember names, places, vehicle descriptions, tattoos, or anything that may help identify the suspects later on. In situations like that, you have no control, so it's best to stay calm and remember everything,” he said.
South Africa has experienced numerous cases of abductions or foiled kidnappings in recent months. In May 2025, community members chased a Polo after the occupants kidnapped a girl in broad daylight. In July 2025, a mother of two shared how her daughter was almost abducted at a mall.
How did South Africans react?
While some social media users were thankful that Nkomo was found safe, others questioned her story.
Sa Marutla stated:
“We thank God for her safety.”
Tsi Kie claimed:
“The Pastor was blessing her with the Holy Spirit.”
Zameka Ntlangwini added:
“Good news for a change🙏.”
Tlou Phelane stated:
“This story is too much. There is too much achar and chakalaka, but anyway.”
Thabeng Bohopa said:
“Midnight prayer in Newtown? Ok!”
Rotang Bucanner Tiheli stated:
“Poor husbands believe nonsense.”
Nkuli Khanyile added:
“That story doesn't add up.”
Antoinette Ro said:
“We thank God for her life.”
Puleng Seitshiro asked:
“But why would people risk their lives for midnight prayers in a place like Newtown anyway?
Leonard Nyandoro Muzunze suggested:
“Pray at home, in your garden, kitchen, bedroom or garage. God is everywhere.”
Knowledgeable Chawapiwa claimed:
“Mxm, this one was spending quality time with her blesser. This story is riddled with inaccuracies.”
Woman shares kidnapping story at Carnival Mall
Briefly News reported that a young South African woman shared her story of being kidnapped in a public area in Gauteng.
The youngster said she had gotten off work when she felt a gun shoved against her head by a man.
Social media users were stunned by her story after she recently shared it on TikTok.
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Source: Briefly News
