An Odendaalsrus woman will appear in the local magistrate’s court on Monday (25/3) for charges of defeating the ends of justice and fraud after it is believed she is behind her own kidnapping.

Khahliso Mabitla (38) was arrested on Friday (22/3) after further investigations by Goldfields police. Her husband reported her to be kidnapped on Monday (18/3) after a message demanding a ransom was sent on the wife’s phone.

“State resources, specialised units from Pretoria, Bloemfontein, and Odendaalsrus, and hostage negotiators were called in to assist in the search of the woman,” said Free State police spokesperson Stephen Thakeng.

“Information about the kidnapping was widely distributed on social media and radio interviews were conducted to assist in getting the mother back home safe.”

On Tuesday (19/3) a statement was released by the Odendaalsrus police saying a search was launched after Mabitla was allegedly kidnapped in her hometown.

‘The kidnapper knew this couple very well’

The husband returned from work on Monday (18/3) and when he got to Kutloanong, the children informed him that their mother had already left for work at a fast-food restaurant in the CBD.

Later the husband received a message from the wife’s cell phone and rushed to her workplace. Upon arrival, he was told she never showed up for work. He then received another message from his wife’s cell phone demanding a ransom.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the kidnapper knew this couple very well and a case of kidnapping was registered for further investigation.”

OFM News/Zenande Mpame cg