The Manenberg community is praying for the safe return of Shireen Essop.

A prayer meeting was held outside the family’s business on Wednesday night with people pleading that she be returned home untouched and unharmed. They say no one can imagine what the family is going through at this time.

Police say the 32-year-old mother was hijacked and taken on Tuesday. She was last seen in a white Toyota on Weltevreden Road. Her vehicle was recovered by police in Sweet Home Farm in Philippi.

The police’s provincial task team and kidnapping unit is investigating this case.

Earlier this month a 21-year-old was taken during a house robbery in Newfields in Athlone. The young man was returned unharmed days later.