Arrest for owning victim’s phone: HAWKS still investigating kidnapping of Westville Mum

DESPITE much speculation and excitement following the news this week of a possible break in the investigation into the kidnapping of the daughter of the owners of Crossmoor Transport, little in the way of developments have been announced by the team searching for her.  Sandra Moonsamy has now been missing for almost six weeks.

Her family released a carefully worded statement which offered little in the way of any indication of developments despite, or perhaps because of, social media hype which has continued to surround this case.

Meanwhile, her family continue to pray for her safe return.

ALSO READ: Don’t get caught up in social media hype, says investigator probing Westville mum’s kidnapping

Keisha Patchiappen, CEO of Condriac, and also a member of Moonsamy’s family, and who has been responsible for issuing statements on behalf of the family issued the following statement on Wednesday, after asked to confirm the stories being shared in the media about an arrest leading to a break in the case.

Sandra’s abduction has been a deeply traumatic experience for her loved ones, who continue to pray for her safe return. Those close to Sandra have drawn comfort from one another, as well as the outpouring of kindness they have received from their communities and supporters across the country. 

Sandra’s family recently received an anonymous ransom demand, citing 30 bitcoin as the price for her return. Following this, her family – along with those close to the case – are working closely with authorities, and urge anyone with information that could assist their efforts to come forward. 

“We remain optimistic about progress being made in the investigation into Sandra’s abduction, and hopeful that she will be recovered. During this time, Sandra’s wellbeing and any possible lead which might assist in her safe return, are her family’s main priority and sole focus,” says representative,  Inderan Naicker.

The amount mentioned in Patchiappen’s statement is the same as that which was previously mooted in a series of troubling emails sent to family members and media in a few days after the kidnapping.

ALSO READ: Family offers reward for info on kidnapped Westville mum, Sandra Moonsamy

Recently, a Durban radio station reported that another ransom demand had been made.

There was also a report which was teased as a big breakthrough in the case on the Facebook page of a large newspaper house publication which suggested the family had been sent a voice recording where Sandra allegedly claimed she was unharmed.

However, this could not be confirmed with the family who has been steadfast in their claims that there have been no major developments in the case.

ALSO READ: Family confirms investigation into Sandra’s whereabouts continues

In a statement from the family issued on the eve of the third week of her disappearance, Sandra’s brother, Inderan Naicker said the family had not given up hope but also pleaded for people to stop spreading false stories and gossip about the case.

“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.”

ALSO READ: “False stories could put Sandra’s life at risk” – brother

Meanwhile, the HAWKS’ national spokesman, Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi confirmed that they had been informed of the arrest of a man in Durban by local police.

He wished to make it clear though that the man, a foreign national, had only been arrested for being in possession on the device and not in connection with any links to the kidnapping.

Asked what the man had been arrested for he responded:

“For possession of a cell phone that’s all. The investigation is still ongoing and we are not at liberty to give more details due to the sensitivity of the case,” he said on Wednesday.

ALSO READ: Hawks now in driving seat of Westville woman’s kidnapping investigation

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