A TEENAGER’S quick reaction thwarted would-be kidnappers who attempted to drag the 14-year-old into their vehicle while walking home from school in Brackenfell.
At about 3.15pm on Tuesday, a blue Volkswagen Polo with three men allegedly stopped next to the pupil in Paradys Street, Brackenfell, said spokesperson FC Van Wyk.
“They spoke to her in Afrikaans and asked if she knew where Green Point was. The front passenger allegedly got out of the Polo and tried to grab the girl, but she was too quick and ran in the opposite direction,” said Van Wyk.
While running for her safety, the learner saw a delivery vehicle and stopped it to ask for help while the blue Polo, with an unknown registration number, fled the scene.
The man who tried to grab the girl was described to be about 1.7m tall, dressed in a blue construction overall, a reflector jacket, black safety boots and had missing front teeth.
“She was further assisted by the occupants of the delivery vehicle who brought her directly to Brackenfell police station. Apart from being traumatised, the girl sustained no injuries. She was assisted by members of Brackenfell SAPS Victim Support. The investigation is ongoing,” said Van Wyk.
An attempted kidnapping case was opened for investigation.
The Tygerberg Cluster Community Policing Board chairperson Sean McClelland has since urged learners not to speak to strangers and always walk in groups when going to or coming back from school.
“Brackenfell police are very active and it is a very close community that always works together. Even in this case we are confident if there is any information they have, it will be shared with police. We are glad the brave girl was unharmed. The community has been shaken and it's a wake up call for everyone,” said McClelland.
Anyone with information about this incident can anonymously contact Warrant Officer Raymond Saville of Brackenfell Detective Branch on 079 522 1790 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.