Mpumalanga police have launched a massive search party following the kidnapping of Municipal Manager of Nkangala District Municipality, Maggie Skhosana who was reportedly abducted alongside her driver, Gugu Mtsweni. The horrific incident, which allegedly took place at the entrance of the municipal offices in Middleburg yesterday morning  has left the council and staff reeling with shock.

THUGS IMPERSONATING POLICE

Mpumalanga police have since confirmed that an investigation has been activated following the abduction.Skhosana, who is wheelchair-bound, was allegedly accosted by the kidnappers impersonating police officers and were driving a vehicle with blue lights. Following the massive search and rescue operation, Skhosana's wheelchair and bag were found abandoned next to the road leading to Kriel.

VEHICLE RECOVERED

Brigadier Selvy Mohlala, the spokesperson for the Mpumalanga police confirmed that Skhosana's vehicle was also recovered abandoned next to the road with no sign of either of the women. A search around the area where the vehicle and wheelchair were recovered, yielded no clues as to where the women may have been taken to. Bokala confirmed that, "A case of kidnapping has been opened after the municipal manager of Nkangala District Municipality, as well as her driver were allegedly kidnapped on Thursday morning. It's said that a white sedan came to them and the occupants were wearing police uniform. They stopped them and then the two vehicles followed each other and that's when the municipal manager and her driver were last seen. During our investigation we found the vehicle near one of the mines with a wheelchair belonging to Skhosana, as well as her bag. For now we are still doing our investigation and we ask anyone who might have information to contact the police immediately.'

HOPING TO BE FOUND IN DUE COURSE

Nkangala mayor Liah Mabuza said the municipality is shocked and pleaded with anyone who might have information to contact the police as soon as possible.            "The Nkangala district municipality hereby informs employees of the municipality, honourable councillors, the media and the community about an alleged kidnapping of the municipal manager and her personal driver outside the municipal gates. It is our firm belief that they will be found in due cause; we ask everyone to allow the police to do the investigation unhindered. We comfort the Skhosana and the Mtsweni families in these trying times,' said Mabuza. Skhosana's abduction comes almost a year following the kidnapping of Nkangala regional chairperson of the ANC, Speedy Mashilo in Hokai. The gunmen, who allegedly forced themselves into Mashilo's car, sped off and drove to the East Rand with him before dropping him off near Oliefantsfontein after an eight-year ordeal.They made off with his laptop, bank cards, wallet, money, cell phone and other valuables.Similar to the Skhosana incident, Mashilo's car was left abandoned and their kidnappers are still at large.Police said the motive behind the kidnappings is still unknown, adding that investigations are continuing.