Judith Tshabalala – a Gauteng-based ANC MP – has survived a traumatic hijacking ordeal during the early hours of Sunday. It has been reported by multiple sources that the politician was in Sebokeng as the thieves made their move, before abandoning her on the outskirts of Johannesburg.
Tshabalala, who is also a member of the ANC’s youth task team and their branch in GP, is understood to have been dropped off unharmed in Edenpark, in the Alberton region of the province.
A Range Rover Evoque was used by the criminals in an attempt to secure Tshabalala’s vehicle for themselves. The ANC MP was elected to the sixth Parliament in May 2019, having previously served under the Jacob Zuma administration.
Details remain sketchy at this point, as police are still investigating the circumstances which lead to this crime. The established public profile of the victim is believed to have played a part in her safe release, according to an unverified source. As it stands, we are able to confirm:
- The Range Rover remains a vehicle of interest to police – the number plate is JD 68 YP GP
- She was travelling by herself when the thugs targeted her.
- Judith Tshabalala was taken from the south of Gauteng to just outside of Johannesburg. The journey took approximately one hour.