A 65-year-old woman who was kidnapped outside the Nelson Mandela Bay Fresh Produce Market in Markman over the weekend has been safely reunited with her family.
Lindsay Knowlden, who was abducted on Saturday morning, was found alive and unharmed around 21.5km away in Bethelsdorp around midnight on Tuesday night.
Called for help
Family spokesperson John Best confirmed on Wednesday morning that Knowlden had been dropped off on a street where she called out for help.
A local family heard her cries and took her in before alerting authorities and her husband.
“She just called out for help, and a family took her in,” said Best.
Knowlden and her husband, who is an agent at the produce market, were accosted by armed men in the underground parking area shortly after they arrived for work.
During the attack, her husband was assaulted with a firearm, sustaining a laceration to his eye, while Knowlden was forcibly taken in a silver VW Polo.
Best confirmed that a ransom was demanded, although he declined to disclose further details due to the sensitive nature of the investigation.
Investigation underway
The case is currently being investigated by the Hawks, South Africa’s Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation.
At the time of publishing, Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana had not yet provided an official comment.
Knowlden reportedly told her family that she had been held by five men.
Her doctor has since examined her and confirmed that she is in good physical health.
Family grateful, community relieved
The news of Knowlden’s safe return has sparked gratitude among loved ones and residents alike, many of whom followed the case closely since Saturday.
While the motive and further details remain unclear, her family has expressed relief and thanks to the community and law enforcement for their support.
Further updates from authorities are expected as investigations continue.
Are you concerned about the escalating number of kidnapping cases?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1
Subscribe to The South African website’s newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
