Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Education in Gauteng Moipone Mhlongo. Picture: X.
Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Education in Gauteng Moipone Mhlongo has been reunited with her family after a kidnapping ordeal.
It is understood that Mhlongo, who currently serves as one of the youngest Members of the Provincial Legislature (MPL), was hijacked and abducted on Monday evening at Etwatwa in Ekurhuleni under circumstances that remain unclear.
The Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety confirmed that Mhlongo was found safe.
“The committee remains relieved that Hon. Mhlongo was found safe on the same day after enduring an extremely traumatic ordeal with senseless criminals.
“The committee would like to express gratitude to law enforcement agencies, security personnel and everyone who contributed towards her safe return,” the committee said.
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The committee also thanked the public for their support.
“While the committee is immensely relieved by Mhlongo’s safe return, it remains deeply concerned about the broader implications of such heinous acts of criminality. Acts of violence and intimidation have no place in our society and law enforcement agencies should not be deterred in their pursuit of justice and peace.
“The unprecedented rise in violent crimes, including extortion, armed robberies and hijackings continue to create an atmosphere of fear and insecurity that can no longer be ignored in our communities,” the committee said.
The committee said decisive action is required to restore law and order, protect lives and prevent further deterioration of safety across various communities.
It is for this reason that the committee would like to resuscitate the discussion around the declaration of a state of emergency to empower government to deploy additional resources to support the police in combating crime effectively.
According to crime stats released by Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu last week, a total of 4 205 kidnappings were reported between April 2024 and June 20024 compared with 3 854 in the same period last year.
A total of 1 739 were registered in Gauteng, 662 in Kwazulu-Natal, 223 in Western Cape and 175 in the Eastern Cape.
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