A 27-year-old woman was rescued from an alleged kidnapping near a dam in Tembisa, Ekurhuleni, after metro police officers heard her screaming for help and saw her run towards their vehicle for safety.
The incident happened at about 8pm on Wednesday, according to the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD).
Kidnappers abandon vehicle
EMPD spokesperson Colonel Kelebogile Thepa said metro police officers were conducting routine patrols on Link Road, between Esselen and Liliba, near the dam in Tembisa, when they heard a woman screaming for help.
The officers immediately stopped their vehicle.
“A 27-year-old woman ran towards the police vehicle and jumped inside for safety,” Thepa said.
The woman told officers that four men travelling in a white Toyota Avanza had allegedly attempted to kidnap her.
The officers then gave chase, but the suspects abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot.
“Two ran into the Emfihlweni Cemetery, while the other two, including the driver of the vehicle, fled towards the Esselen Park area,” Thepa said.
During the pursuit, the suspects opened fire at the officers.
“Due to the darkness in the cemetery area, the suspects managed to evade arrest,” Thepa said.
She said no metro police officers were injured and no arrests had been made.
Community to remain vigilant
Thepa confirmed that cases of attempted kidnapping and attempted murder would be opened at Thembisa police station for further investigation.
“EMPD will be working closely with SAPS to trace the suspects and the vehicle,” she said.
Anyone with information about the incident or the whereabouts of the four men travelling in a white Toyota Avanza in the Tembisa area at the time of the incident was asked to come forward.
Thepa urged community members, particularly women, to remain vigilant and avoid walking alone in isolated areas, open velds and unlit streets at night.
She urged residents to report suspicious vehicles or people to police immediately.
“We condemn the continued targeting of women by violent and ruthless criminals.
“The EMPD will not rest until those responsible are brought to book,” she said.
Concern over safety of women
The incident comes after the discovery of the bodies of 12 women in different parts of the metro, sending shockwaves across the country.
The killings have renewed concerns about the safety of women and South Africa’s ongoing gender-based violence and femicide crisis.
Police have said investigations into the murders are continuing.
simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za
IOL News
