The Gaunteg Education Department confirmed, in a statement, that a Grade 12 pupil from Sandringham High School, in Johannesburg, was targeted in a harrowing kidnapping attempt, on Friday.
Sandringham High School matric pupil escapes abduction
In a statement, the provincial education department revealed that abductors pounced on the pupil “near Lyndhurst Primary School when she was walking to school.”
“According to information at our disposal, a white Chevrolet sedan with four male occupants reportedly drove towards her and one armed male allegedly grabbed her into the vehicle,” the department noted.
In a brave display, the Sandringham High matriculant fought with every bit of strength to free herself from the abductor’s grasp. The girl screamed at the top of her lungs and forced the abductors to abandon their attempts and run off.
“A staff member, who happened to pass the location where the incident took place, safely accompanied her to school. The matter was reported to the Sandringham police station and she received trauma counselling from our psycho-social unit,” the department revealed.
Kidnapping on the rise in South Africa
The 18-year-old is one of 2 000 victims who became targets of kidnappig in South Africa, between July and September 2021.
A Grade 5 pupil from EP Baumann Primary School was kidnapped while waiting in a COVID-19 screening queue, outside the premise, on Wednesday morning.
Two days later, authorities are nowhere close to tracking down the girl.
“We call upon the public to come forward with any information they may have to assist ongoing investigations,” Gauteng education department spokesperson Steve Mabona said.
Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi lamented on a devastating week for Gauteng, that was plagued by kidnappings.
“But we are glad that this particular attempt failed. Indeed, we must applaud the concerned citizens who managed to intervene and assist our learner,” he said.