Sandton City Shopping Centre was only seconds away from hosting another suicide. However, thanks to the tireless efforts of rescue workers, the unidentified woman, who attempted to jump off the building, was talked out of it.
Watch: Woman talked out of taking her life at Sandton City
The hair-raising moment a woman was seen on the roof of the shopping centre was caught on camera by onlookers, on Friday afternoon.
Details around the incident remain sketchy at this time. Therefore, the identity of the woman, or the motivation behind her attempt at taking her own life, remains unknown.
However, it’s understood the woman scaled the roof of the building at approximately 09:45, and she soon as she was spotted, onlookers contacted authorities.
PLEASE NOTE: The video embedded below contains graphic content that may be harmful and/or triggering to sensitive viewers. Viewers’ discretion is strongly advised.
Someone trying to commit suicide at Sandton city, she has been on top there for over 2 hours pic.twitter.com/MD6ahhLjMw
— Constable Fox (@constable_fox) June 3, 2022
In a statement, Sandton City’s centre management confirmed the woman was safely talked out of taking her own life and that she has since been reunited with her family.
“Following up, the individual who was threatening to jump from Sandton City’s parkade has left the premises & been taken to a place of safety. Sandton City Management, together with the SAPS, facilitated the safe escort of the individual into the care of their family. Sandton City would like to thank the Operations team for their tireless effort and support during the ordeal, and for successfully discouraging a potential tragedy. Sandton City is operating and trading as normal, and Alice Lane will be reopened shortly,” the statement read.
In October 2021, similar scenes unfolded inside Sandton City, where a woman was caught on camera the moment she jumped to her death.
In South Africa, there are many resourceful organisations that are ready to assist you and your loved one in dealing with suicidal triggers. The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) is the country’s largest mental health advocacy group and their 24-hour hotline is free to use if you or a loved one needs help. You can reach them on 0800 456 789 (24 hours a day), SMS 31393, or visit their website for more info and help.