Kidnapped Eastern Cape Granny Denise Bartlett Found Safe and Alive, Locked in a House in Sterkstroom

Many were fearing the worst when Eastern Cape Granny, Denise Bartlett, was kidnapped after an armed robbery at her home in Sterkstroom, South Africa… but the Dispatch newspaper has just reported the good news that she has been found, alive!

The elderly Sterkstroom woman was found – by Komani police – locked in a house near Sterkstroom today, Friday 09 February 2018.

Police spokesperson Captain Namhla Mdleleni told the Dispatch: “She has been locked in the house since Tuesday after the kidnapping. Two people have been arrested.”

Denise has been taken to Sterkstroom Hospital.

Denise was abducted earlier this week after returning home with her granddaughter and the latter’s boyfriend. They were accosted by two armed men, hiding under a table. After being assaulted and robbed, Denise was forced into the boot of her car while the others were locked in the toilet.

By that stage her daughter – Lindy Bartlett-Haggard, DA councillor for Enoch Mgijim – and other granddaughter had also arrived. Lindy said they were ordered to go “to the toilet or they will shoot my mother”.

The following day Denise’s vehicle was discovered about 3km outside of Komani, but there was no sign of Denise, who had been wearing light pink shorts and top, and sandals.

Family, friends and SAPS launched an urgent appeal to South Africans to be on the lookout for the 71-year-old.

SAPS formed a Task Team and a case of kidnapping and house robbery was opened.

The spokesperson said SAPS will release a statement later today.

#GreatNews #NeverGiveUp!!! #WelcomeHomeDeniseBartlett