Kidnapped Ukrainian sobbed when she was found in a dark shack in one of Cape Town’s most notorious townships.
After an eight-day ordeal, Anichka Penev was found bound in a Khayelitsha shack after her kidnappers left instructions as to her whereabouts once a ransom was paid.
Sources close to the case revealed to Weekend Argus the circumstances which led to her discovery.
The 35-year-old Ukrainian national was reunited with her family after she was found some 10km away from where she had been kidnapped outside of her husband Simeon Penev’s business in Blackheath on September 29.
According to sources, a traumatised and overwhelmed Penev broke into tears as she realised that she was being rescued at 11pm on Friday.
Weekend Argus previously reported that kidnappers demanded a R5 million ransom from her family an hour after she was snatched from her yellow Audi R8.
While sources revealed to Weekend Argus that Penev was released after a ransom was paid, it is still unclear how much money was handed over to her kidnappers – but an insider claims that the amount was close to the requested figure.
A source explained that Penev’s family had received information as to where to find her. The source added that Penev was found sitting on the floor of the dark shack with her hands tied.
She was unharmed but had been taken to a nearby hospital for a check-up.
Penev’s discovery bore similarities with how Muhammad Asghar, the father of 5-year-old Shanawaaz who was kidnapped in August, followed detailed instructions as to where to find his son in an area near Khayelisha.
Shanawaaz was snatched by six unknown, armed men who brazenly accosted the Pakistani family as they were walking to school in Kensington.
The child’s kidnappers kept in contact with the family throughout the 48 hours he was held and even asked for the child’s favourite food.
Muhammad later received instructions as to where to collect his son. It is believed that a R800 000 ransom was paid.
Crime activist Hanif Loonat said a pattern that has emerged with kidnappers was that they waited two to three days after receiving the ransom amount before they released their hostage.
“This way they can check the money, if the amount is correct, if it’s not traced or fake, and it also gives them enough time to get away.
“They also have a pattern of sending the location at night so that they can discreetly keep an eye on the (rescue),” Loonat explained.
He said there was reason to believe that the same people who took Penev were linked to the recent kidnapping of Mitchells Plain businessman Akter Pradhan and the killing of Khalid Parker during a botched kidnapping.
Pradhan, a Bangladeshi businessman, was kidnapped while driving home along Wespoort Road in Mitchells Plain in August and held for two weeks in a shack at an unknown informal settlement.
Pradhan’s kidnappers also demanded millions of rand from his family before he was released.
Parker, 40, the son of a business owner, was shot in the head while crossing Imam Haron Road in Lansdowne in early September.
Loonat warned that people should be aware of their surroundings.
“Don't think this type of crime only happens on the Cape Flats or in townships. Don’t attract too much attention. Yes, enjoy your money but don’t show it off. Try and be discreet,” he added.
The Western Cape MEC for Community Safety and Policing Oversight, Reagen Allen, said they were pleased that Penev had been reunited with her family.
“We extended our gratitude to those responsible for Penev’s safe return.
“I have received confirmation from the acting SAPS provincial commissioner, Major-General Albert Maqashalala, that SAPS is currently investigating the circumstances around her disappearance.
“We have a clear stance on our approach towards criminals who engage in this type of criminal activity. This is unacceptable and we will ensure that a thorough investigation is done.”
Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi said the circumstances surrounding the kidnapping were still being investigated.
Weekend Argus.