Kidnapped businesswoman says 'Thank God' after being freed

Three days after being kidnapped, businesswoman Mary Ali has been rescued by officers of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit (AKU).

The 67-year-old woman of Juteram Street, Sangre Grande, and co-owner of Coss Cutters Supermarket, was snatched on September 23 as she arrived to open the family business.

Two armed men came out of a grey Mitsubishi Cedar Car, grabbed her and bundled her into the back seat of the vehicle, which sped off on Coalmine Road.

The security officers who were accompanying Ali told police they were fearful for their lives, ran off and hid behind a house.

Acting on information from members of the public, AKU officers proceeded to a road at James Smart Village, Manzanilla, shortly after 6 am yesterday, where they found the severely dehydrated woman.

Ali was reported to be in a daze and very weak and forced a smile as she uttered “Thank God” when the officers rescued her.

She was taken to the Sangre Grande Hospital for treatment.

No ransom was reportedly paid.

Family members who were in tears after Ali was found alive, praised the police for their dedication to service and the recovery of their loved one.

Many people were gathered at Ali’s home when When Guardian Media visited. Most of them said ‘Thank God she is alive and well.”

Assistant Commissioner of Police Odette Lewis and Senior Supt Aguilal Head Eastern Division praised the officers for their work in rescuing Ali.

ACP Lewis said the investigation was very sensitive at this time and has been placed in the hands of an officer from the Anti- Kidnapping Unit, Cpl Randy Castillo.

In a release, the TTPS confirmed the rescue was as a result of collaborative efforts and joint intelligence exercises by officers of the AKU and the Sangre Grande Criminal Investigations Department (CID) over a 48-hour period.

The officers included Cpl (Ag) Castillo and PC Jack of the AKU, along with WPC John and PC Diaz of the Sangre Grande CID.

The TTPS thanked members of the public for their assistance in locating the missing woman.