EMALAHLENI – A 24-year-old Noxolo Mathebula has finally broken her silence after being reported missing on Tuesday, February 20.
Mathebula, a resident of Emalahleni at Duncan Street near downtown, was last seen heading to meet an unknown man she had connected with on the popular online dating app Tinder.
Her disappearance sparked widespread concern until she was thankfully located the following day. Mathebula’s account of being allegedly hijacked alongside the mysterious man she met on Tinder just outside her residence has left the community reeling with questions and concerns about the dangers of online interactions.
Speaking with the Highveld Chronicle Mathebula who expressed her feelings about the whole incident said, “ We were both hijacked and kidnapped just outside the gate by unknown males. They pointed us with guns, made us to leave the car and get into the other one they were using.”
“They demanded the car and money. They released us in the evening next day. I am so happy that I am back at home and safe. They didn’t touch me or do anything to me.” she explained.
“What breaks my heart is that people in social media they’re busy mocking the whole situation. They don’t understand the trauma and pain I went through. It was painful because I thought I was going to get killed.” she expressed.
Muzi Thabethe said, “She is lucky to be still alive. However it is very wise for any person it doesn’t matter if it’s a woman or man, if you going on a date with someone you met on social media be careful.”
“Meet that person in a public space, where you can be safe and surrounded by people.” he added.
Penelope Makgolo said, “I don’t trust social media especially when it comes to meeting a stranger. I will never risk my life like that. Daily women are reported killed. This is a lesson to all us women to stop wanting to meet people we don’t even know especially on social media,dating apps. Some girls are being raped, human trafficked and some used as sex slaves for drugs dealers.”
