AS the case enters its third week since the sudden disappearance of Westville mum and businesswoman, Sandra Moonsamy, her family continue to pray for her safe return.
In a statement from the family issued on Wednesday afternoon, Sandra’s brother, Inderan Naicker said the family had not given up hope.
“The investigation into Sandra’s current whereabouts, and efforts to ensure her safe return, are still underway. Sandra’s family have not given up hope that she will be located and reunited with her children and loved ones, and will not rest until she is found.”
The family has also once again pleaded with South Africans and the media to share information pertaining to the case responsibly, in the wake of unconfirmed rumours being published, and other information being shared against the family and authorities instructions, this week.
ALSO READ: Hawks now in driving seat of Westville woman’s kidnapping investigation
Following a number of unconfirmed allegations being published as fact by media outlets, and shared across social media channels, Naicker said he is worried about how these might impact on the investigation and the chance of his sister returning to the bosom of her family safely.
“There is a real danger that the proliferation of rumours and false storylines could put Sandra’s life at further risk. Once again, we appeal to the press and individuals to avoid speculation, and to share content which could impact the ongoing investigation responsibly,” he said.
Sandra was grabbed in a seemingly professional kidnapping while driving on Stapleton Road, Pinetown, on the evening of Thursday, Thursday, 30 May.
An upper Highway private investigator who was also briefly assisting the family told the Highway Mail the interference of social media hype was not helping the investigation by the Hawks.
ALSO READ: Don’t get caught up in social media hype, says Highway investigator
Police issued a statement warning the public not to hinder the investigation by interfering citing false reports by social media commentators and even false information being shared by media online as being problematic.
Meanwhile, the family has closed ranks around Sandra’s husband and children in an effort to limit the impact this devastating ordeal has on those dearest to her, even as they continue to pray for her safe return.
The family has had to endure intrusions including some media photographing their home from the street and interviewing staff to try to get more information about the investigation into Sandra’s whereabouts.
There have been no further updates from the Hawks since the statement warning against the spread of disinformation.
ALSO READ: Westville mum’s kidnapping update: Police issue warning to public
Their statement, which ended with an appeal that people with information contact the investigating officer, WO Stompie Sonnekus on 082 778 8932, included a reminder of their constitutional mandate.
“The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation is constitutionally mandated to investigate Serious Organised Crimes of this nature. We, therefore, appeal to the public to refrain from posting untruthful information that is continuously hampering progress on the ongoing investigation.”
“We pray that she is safe and well, and we urge anyone with information to immediately direct details to the Hawks Reaction Unit on 086 123 4333,” said Naicker.
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