Shireen Essop’s picture was shared far and wide when she was identified as missing in May. A family’s worst nightmare – there was no sign of the Cape Town mom for nearly a month. Until she appeared out of nowhere on 11 June. She was found at around 2am by a Klipfontein Neighbourhood Watch member at Klipfontein Mission Station.
Since her return home, rumours have sparked on social media that Essop was on a drug binge in Durban. Some have gone so far as to label the ordeal as a fabrication. In the 32-year-old’s silence, members of the public have started telling their own versions of the story behind her disappearance: a drug binge in Durban; a family feud; dodgy business.
Shireen’s brother-in-law and family spokesperson, Hameed Essop, told News24 that she is home, spending time with her child and loved ones. He dismissed all claims against family tensions and business and said that Shireen looked depleted after being found because she was exhausted, terrified, and starved.
When asked if the family paid ransom for release, he said he was not allowed to comment.
Klipfontein Neighbourhood Watch was handed a certificate of commendation for the role they played in keeping Essop safe after they found her in the area. Western Cape MEC for Police Oversight and Community Safety Reagen Allen visited the members on Friday.
Essop’s kidnapping is one of many instances in the Western Cape this year, with other victims being held for ransom.
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Cape Town mom gives chilling account of attempted kidnapping
Picture: @Abramjee / Twitter