Cape Town - Western Cape police have confirmed that Shireen Essop, who is believed to have been hijacked and kidnapped on Monday, has not been found yet.
The whereabouts of Essop, 32, were last known at 2pm when she was driving a white Toyota on Weltevreden Road near Philippi, heading home.
The vehicle was later traced and found abandoned.
While it was recovered, there was no sign of the missing young mother.
Essop was last seen wearing black pants and a mustard-coloured top.
She is 1.65m tall and of medium build.
Since the news of her disappearance broke out, social media has been abuzz with people sharing her picture in hopes that she will be found soon.
Other people also took to WhatsApp groups to share the news, and community forums have taken to the streets to search for her.
Essop’s family, who are desperate for her safe return, also shared a post on social media requesting people to share information if they have seen or heard anything.
However, by Tuesday morning there were several claiming she had been found.
The provincial task team and kidnapping unit are apparently probing the case.
Police spokesperson Wesley Twigg said that he can confirm that police were still searching for Essop.
“This office can confirm that police are searching for a 32-year-old female who went missing yesterday afternoon at about 14:00. The circumstances surrounding the incident are being investigated,” said Twigg.
Anyone with any information about the incident can anonymously contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111, alternatively 082 469 1539.