A 26-year-old Johannesburg attorney who was abducted outside her Northcliff home on Wednesday evening has been rescued safely, while police have arrested suspects and recovered a vehicle linked to the crime.
Police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi confirmed that the suspect is due in court soon.
Investigator Mike Bolhuis of Specialised Security Services (SSS) confirmed that Alex Soleil van Heerden was rescued in Vosloorus on Thursday night, less than 28 hours after she was forcibly taken outside her residence.
According to Bolhuis, Van Heerden had been travelling home in an Uber from Rosebank when she was kidnapped shortly after arriving at her apartment complex at about 6.57pm on 5 August.
Security footage reportedly showed at least three suspects forcing her into a white Renault hatchback before fleeing the scene.
SSS said the Uber driver immediately reported the incident to police, leading to the opening of a kidnapping case at Fairlands police station.
“The incident developed rapidly,” Bolhuis said.
Following the kidnapping, SSS, the South African Police Service (SAPS), family members, friends and colleagues worked together to gather information that could assist investigators.
An urgent public appeal was also circulated through social media and community networks as authorities sought information about the suspects and the victim’s whereabouts.
“The rapid reporting of the incident and the subsequent coordination between the SAPS, SSS and members of the public contributed to the ongoing investigative response,” the statement said.
Van Heerden was rescued in Vosloorus at approximately 10.30pm on Thursday.
“SSS is pleased to confirm the rescue and safe recovery of 26-year-old Ms Alex Soleil van Heerden, who was forcibly taken in a kidnapping incident in Northcliff, Johannesburg, on the evening of 5 August 2026,” Bolhuis said.
“The vehicle was recovered and suspects were arrested.”
Bolhuis said the successful outcome highlighted the importance of swift action in kidnapping cases.
“The response demonstrated the value of rapid reporting, information-sharing and cooperation between law enforcement, specialist investigators and the public,” Bolhuis said.
Van Heerden’s husband, Rashaad Ismail, contacted Bolhuis following her recovery and expressed his relief and happiness that she had been found alive and unharmed.
Despite the rescue, investigators say the case remains active as authorities work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the kidnapping and identify everyone involved.
“Although Ms Van Heerden has been found safe, the kidnapping remains under investigation due to the seriousness of the incident and the need to establish the full circumstances and identify all persons involved,” Bolhuis said.
The organisation has appealed for anyone with information about the kidnapping, suspicious vehicles or activities linked to the case to come forward.
“The safe recovery of Ms Van Heerden does not bring the investigation to an end,” Bolhuis said.
SSS further warned that kidnappings should never be viewed as routine crimes.
“At the same time, SSS emphasises that kidnapping must never be treated as an ordinary criminal incident. It is a serious violent crime that can place a victim’s life and physical and psychological wellbeing at extreme risk.”
“In an extreme kidnapping investigation, time matters.”
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