A missing grandmother from Pretoria has now been confirmed as the victim of a kidnapping, following days of uncertainty and an intense community search. Police say ransom demands made to her family prompted the case to be reclassified from a missing person investigation to an abduction case. Specialised police units have since been deployed as concern grows for her safety.
Missing Woman in Akasia: How the Disappearance of Sally Lena Dietzsch Began
The case of Sally Lena Dietzsch, a 69-year-old grandmother from Pretoria, began as a missing person report and quickly escalated into a serious criminal investigation.
Dietzsch was last seen on Friday, January 2, 2026, at her home in the Orchards area of Akasia, north of Pretoria. According to police, her tenant was the last person known to have seen her before she vanished. When she failed to return calls or make contact with family members, alarm bells were raised.
Given her age and the sudden loss of communication, relatives immediately feared that something was wrong. The disappearance of an elderly woman under unexplained circumstances led police to treat the matter as serious and suspicious from the outset.
SAPS Akasia Confirms Kidnapping After Ransom Demands
South African Police Service spokesperson Captain Johan van Dyk confirmed that the missing person case was officially changed to a kidnapping investigation on Sunday, after the family received ransom demands.
“The initial missing person investigation was converted into an abduction case after the family received demands for a ransom,” Van Dyk said.
He further confirmed that the kidnappers made contact with the family again on Monday, increasing the ransom demand. This development removed any doubt that Dietzsch had been abducted and significantly raised concerns about her well-being.
The kidnapping of an elderly woman in Pretoria has drawn sharp attention, particularly amid growing public concern over violent crime and kidnappings targeting vulnerable individuals.
Search for Kidnapped Grandmother Mobilised Community and Rescue Teams
Before the kidnapping was confirmed, the disappearance of Sally Lena Dietzsch sparked an immediate response from her family and the surrounding community.
Residents, volunteers, and members of local organisations joined hands in search efforts, combing nearby areas and circulating her details widely. Flyers were shared, social media posts spread rapidly, and search teams followed every possible lead.
Louis du Preez of Renegades Search and Rescue said the situation required a careful and measured approach once the kidnapping was confirmed.
“For Sally’s safety, as well as the integrity of the investigation, certain details are deliberately not being made public,” Du Preez said. “The aim is to create responsible awareness that helps the public identify possible leads without placing her or the investigation in danger.”
Renegades Search and Rescue has played a crucial role in missing person cases across South Africa, frequently collaborating closely with families and authorities during the critical early stages.
Description of Sally Lena Dietzsch Released by Police
As part of the ongoing investigation, police have released a physical description of the missing grandmother to assist members of the public who may have seen her.
Dietzsch is approximately 1.55 metres tall. She has short blonde hair, blue eyes, and wears glasses. At the time of her disappearance, she was reportedly wearing black trousers and a grey shirt.
Police have urged anyone who may have seen a woman matching this description in Akasia, Pretoria North, or the surrounding areas to come forward.
Authorities stress that even information that seems minor could be vital in a kidnapping investigation.
Kidnapping Investigation Intensifies as Specialised Units Get Involved
Captain van Dyk confirmed that specialised police units are now involved in the kidnapping investigation. These units are trained to handle complex cases involving ransom demands, victim safety, and organised crime elements.
“The investigation is ongoing, and specialised units have been brought in,” Van Dyk said. “The police are handling this matter with the utmost seriousness and are following up on all possible leads.”
At this stage, no arrests have been made. Police have also cautioned against the spread of unverified information, which could complicate the investigation or place the victim at further risk.
Public Urged to Help as Pretoria Kidnapping Case Continues
Police have made a strong appeal to the public to remain alert and to report any information that could assist in locating Dietzsch or identifying those responsible for her kidnapping.
“Anyone with information that may help trace the victim or identify the suspects is urged to contact SAPS Akasia or their nearest police station,” Van Dyk said.
The kidnapping of a 69-year-old woman has shaken many residents in Pretoria North and Akasia, highlighting ongoing fears around safety, particularly for the elderly. Community leaders and support organisations have echoed calls for vigilance and cooperation with authorities.
As the investigation continues, police, rescue organisations, and the family have stressed that responsible sharing of verified information remains critical. The focus, they say, is on bringing Sally Lena Dietzsch home safely.
- Be the first to know – Join our WhatsApp Channel for content worth tapping into! Click here to join!
Leave a Reply