Missing ‘Kokkedoor’ Reality TV star Chef Mariana Kotze Found Safe as Police Continue Investigation

South African reality television personality Mariana Kotze, known for her appearance on kykNET’s popular cooking show Kokkedoor, has been found alive and safe after being reported missing earlier this week.

Kotze’s disappearance sparked widespread concern after reports suggested she may have been hijacked and kidnapped near Komatipoort in Mpumalanga. Authorities have since confirmed that she was located on Wednesday morning, 4 February 2026, in Kempton Park, Johannesburg.

Speaking on the matter, Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane confirmed that while Kotze has been found, the investigation is still ongoing due to unanswered questions surrounding the circumstances of her disappearance.

“We have located her in Kempton Park; however, police are still investigating the case due to the circumstances surrounding it,” Ndubane said. “She was allegedly hijacked and kidnapped; however, footage later showed her walking alone with her bags. We need to establish the full sequence of events.”

Police have not yet disclosed further details, stating that investigations will continue to determine whether criminal activity took place and whether any individuals may be held accountable.

According to official information, Mariana Kotze was last seen on the morning of 2 February 2026, when she left her home in Marloth Park at approximately 08:00. She was reportedly travelling to Komatipoort for shopping and was driving a silver Pajero Sport with registration number KCZ 830 MP.

Later that morning, concerns escalated after her husband, Boland Kotze, received a threatening WhatsApp voice note from unknown individuals. Reports indicate that at around 10:30, he also received a phone call during which he could hear Mariana’s voice in the background.

Due to these developments, police in Mpumalanga classified the matter as a high-priority kidnapping case and initially requested a media blackout to allow for sensitive investigative processes.

On Wednesday, Kotze’s vehicle was discovered abandoned at Sonpark Boulevard Shopping Centre in Mbombela (Nelspruit). Expectations of finding a crime scene shifted after surveillance footage, which later circulated online, showed the 67-year-old exiting the vehicle alone, carrying her bags.

The footage has contributed to public confusion and speculation, though authorities have cautioned against concluding before the investigation is completed.

At this stage, police have not confirmed whether Kotze was formally kidnapped, nor have they ruled out any possibilities. Officials emphasised that finding her safe does not automatically close the case, as the sequence of events still needs to be fully established.

No arrests have been announced, and police have urged the public to allow law enforcement to complete their work without speculation.