- Durban safety officer Torell Abrahams vanished after leaving her workplace in Umbilo on 8 October, sparking a week-long community search
- A R10,000 reward was offered and social media speculation ran wild, including unverified claims that she had been kidnapped by an e-hailing driver
- Her family broke their silence after her return, firmly dismissing the rumours circulating online
Source: UGC
Torell Abrahams, a 30-year-old safety officer from Durban, has been found safe after going missing for more than a week, with her family now pushing back against false claims that spread online during the search.
Abrahams was last seen leaving a construction site in Umbilo on 8 October, where she worked. She had called her father to say she would be getting home via an e-hailing service. That call was the last contact her family had with her.
In the days that followed, community members rallied to find her. The search drew in social media influencers, residents and MK Party ward councillor Christopher Enicker. Missing Persons South Africa reported that her cellphone had been traced to the Ndwendwe area, and a missing-persons case was opened at Umbilo police station. A reward of R10,000 was also offered for any information leading to her safe return.
Torell Abrahams found after week-long search
The Facebook group Wentworth Lives Matter announced on Thursday, 15 October, that Abrahams had been found "safe and unharmed." No details were shared about the circumstances of her disappearance or how she was eventually located. Her family requested that their privacy be respected.
Family hits back at online speculation
According to The South African, unverified claims had circulated widely on social media during the search, including allegations that she had been kidnapped by an Uber driver. Once news of her return broke, further speculation followed, with some suggesting she had simply gone on a personal outing.
Her aunt, Rochelle Abrahams, addressed the rumours directly, writing:
"My niece is FOUND SAFE. This was traumatic for our family. We are extremely happy to have our girl home. Torell was not on a spree. Torell was not kidnapped. We give thanks to GOD and everyone of you who came out and showed just how much Tori is loved."
View the Facebook post below:
South Africans responded with a mix of relief and questions on the page:
@Sarah Julie:
"Praise be to God she's home safe"
@Balungile ßÄrßìê ß Bangani:
"God is good 👏"
@Erinm Lotterie:
"Thank God she is safe 🙏"
@Avery Brown:
"What has happened. Not spree, not kidnapped. Vocation, holiday, or just chilling. I think this girl needs a good hiding for just disappearing. Gosh, we were all so worried"
@Uri Lee:
"... haibo everyone was in a frenzy 🙆🏻♀"
More Briefly News stories on missing people
- Missing Gqeberha teenager Allegra Styles, 14, was found safe and unharmed in North End after police traced her following an alleged altercation in Gqeberha.
- SAPS is searching for missing 14-year-old Allegra Styles in Gqeberha after she vanished following a reported party, while investigators seek
- Shameeque Daries, a 10-year-old girl from Wallacedene, Kraaifontein, has been found safe after a community search involving residents, police and security personnel.
Source: Briefly News
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