Tembisa woman escapes alleged kidnapping after running into metro police vehicle

A 27-year-old woman escaped an alleged kidnapping in Tembisa after running towards a metro police vehicle and jumping inside for safety when officers heard her screaming for help.

The incident happened at about 8pm on Wednesday near a dam in Tembisa, Ekurhuleni.

The officers were on routine patrol when they heard the woman’s cries and stopped to investigate. Moments later, she ran towards them, telling them that four men had allegedly tried to force her into a vehicle.

Woman runs towards metro police for help

According to the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD), officers were patrolling along Link Road between Esselen and Liliba when they heard the woman calling for help.

She ran directly towards the police vehicle and climbed inside.

The woman told officers that the men were travelling in a white Toyota Avanza and had allegedly attempted to kidnap her.

The officers immediately pursued the vehicle.

However, the suspects abandoned the Avanza and escaped on foot before they could be arrested.

Two of the men reportedly ran towards Emfihlweni Cemetery, while the other two, including the driver, fled in the direction of Esselen Park.

Suspects allegedly open fire during chase

The situation became more dangerous when the suspects allegedly opened fire at the metro police officers during the pursuit.

According to EMPD spokesperson Colonel Kelebogile Thepa, the darkness around the cemetery made it difficult for officers to continue the chase safely.

The suspects managed to escape and no arrests had been made at the time of the report.

No metro police officers were injured during the incident.

The abandoned Toyota Avanza is expected to form part of the investigation as officers work to identify and locate the four suspects.

Attempted kidnapping and attempted murder cases to be opened

Thepa said cases of attempted kidnapping and attempted murder would be opened at Thembisa police station.

EMPD is working with the South African Police Service (SAPS) to trace the suspects and establish exactly what happened.

Police are appealing to anyone who may have information about the incident, the white Toyota Avanza or the whereabouts of the four men to come forward.

Residents who witnessed anything unusual around Link Road, Esselen Park, Emfihlweni Cemetery or the surrounding areas are also encouraged to report information to police.

EMPD urges women to stay alert

The incident has once again highlighted concerns about the safety of women travelling or walking through isolated parts of Gauteng at night.

Thepa urged residents, particularly women, to exercise caution around open velds, poorly lit roads and isolated areas after dark.

She also encouraged members of the public to report suspicious vehicles or people to authorities as soon as possible.

The latest incident comes amid wider concern about violence against women in South Africa, following the discovery of the bodies of 12 women in different parts of the metro.

The killings have intensified public concern around gender-based violence and femicide, although investigations into those deaths and the Tembisa incident remain separate.

For the woman involved in Wednesday night’s incident, the presence of the metro police patrol proved critical. After hearing her calls for help, officers were able to get her to safety before the suspects could leave the area with her.

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Source: iol.co.za