Woman Reported Missing While En Route to Midnight Prayer Meeting Found Alive
- Mbalenhle “Miranda” Nkomo disappeared on her way to a midnight church service, sparking panic and a massive social media search
- Two days later, she was found alive, shaken, her hands still tied, claiming she had been kidnapped by mistake
- Her family is relieved, but questions still linger about what happened during her terrifying 48-hour ordeal
A woman who was reported missing while en route to a midnight prayer meeting in Newtown, Johannesburg, has been found alive.
Source: UGC
According to her family, Mbalenhle “Miranda” Nkomo endured a terrifying ordeal of mistaken identity and abduction.
Where was Mbalenhle found?
Sowetan Live reports that the resident of Windmill Park in Ekurhuleni was located at a petrol station after allegedly being released by her captors on Sunday afternoon.
According to her husband, Sandile Nkomo, Mbalenhle had her hands bound from Friday evening until the moment she was let go.
She was then driven as far as KwaZulu-Natal before the kidnappers realised she was not their intended target.
Her disappearance sparked widespread concern over the weekend, with her image and story trending across social media platforms.
Mbalenhle's finally happy for her return
Many social media users joined the online search efforts, sharing posts and offering prayers as the Nkomo family pleaded for her safe return.
In a statement, Sandile expressed deep gratitude for the public’s involvement:
"The Nkomo family would like to take this moment to officially thank everyone who took the time to post, share, text, visit, and call," read part of the statement. "Thank you to all our social media warriors and detectives."
They also offered forgiveness to those who only had negative things to say about the disappearance of Mbalenhle Nkomo.
Mbalenhle's husband believes her story
While some online users have questioned the circumstances surrounding the alleged abduction, Sandile maintained his belief in his wife’s account.
He claimed she was hijacked along the M2 highway by armed men who then drove her across provinces before returning her to Gauteng.
Police have since confirmed that the missing person case has been closed. Authorities have yet to comment on whether a formal investigation into the alleged kidnapping is underway.
Source: UGC
Social media reactions
Jay Mokgalaka
"The husband must start eating crocodile meat so he can think clearly. For now, he’s still a pantie victim."
Mweli Nqanawe Mwelase
"Very kind and loving kidnappers. They drove to KZN and realised she was the wrong person and dropped her back to Joburg."
Alan Daniel
"What is more baffling is that a case of a missing person is closed, but no mention of a case of abduction/kidnapping being opened."
Missing Kenyan woman found in Saudi prison
In an unrelated story, a Kenyan woman who disappeared in 2012 was recently traced alive in Saudi Arabia.
Esther Mariah Njeri's family had lost all contact with her after she was expected to return home in December that year, but failed to.
Jesica, a Kenyan woman who recently returned from the Gulf country, disclosed that Njeri is alive but in prison serving a 17-year sentence.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
