The family members of Shireen Essop have asked for privacy after she was found and subsequently reunited with her relatives.
Essop went missing at around 14:00 while she was driving home along Weltevreden Road on Monday 23 May. She was found in the Philippi area around midnight on Saturday 11 June.
In a statement released on social media, the family confirmed the news that she had been located. “Words alone cannot express our heartfelt appreciation for being in your thoughts and in your hearts during these dark hours. Your support and continuous prayers have given us the strength to remain positive and hopeful that the Almighty will guide her safely back home to us.
“We ask that you continue to make duah (pray) for her for a full recovery.”
Details of the circumstances surrounding Essop’s disappearance as well as how she was tracked down have not been shared yet.
The lack of information – both from the family and the police – has left residents divided on the case, with rumours and speculation now running rife.
To date, the police have not confirmed or denied a case of kidnapping. Instead, they have advised that her dissapearance is being investigated in previous reports.
Essop’s disappearance received widespread social media and mainstream media coverage. She was discovered near Klipfontein Mission Station in Philippi by the newly established local neighbourhood watch three weeks after her disappearance.
In a statement, Provincial Minister for Police Oversight and Community Safety, Reagan Allen, thanked the watch members for helping reunite Essop with her family. “Having an NHW actively involved in this manner is what is meant by the ‘all of society’ approach. I’ve, however, been informed that this NHW is not yet registered with us, and I’d like them to urgently contact us so that they can formally be recognised. It just shows what can be achieved when we’re all involved in combatting crime.”
Provincial police spokesperson, Capt FC van Wyk confirmed to People’s Post that Essop was reunited with family and said the details of the matter are still the subject of investigation.
No arrests have been confirmed as yet.
